Of wrath against me. Then he took
My hand, with reassuring look.
Leading once more within the bound
That cinctured Rose and Rose-bud round.
Therein to wander as I would.
Nought fearing Danger’s evil mood.
XXVIII
Fair-Welcome here the Lover brings,
With many sweet-voiced welcomings,
Within the cincture whence the Rose,
Across the air, its fragrance throws.3500
The Lover’s fair hope
And thus I passed—believe me well—
To brightest heaven, from darkest hell,
For all throughout that closure rare,
Fair-Welcome left me free to fare
Whereso I would, and when the tree
I came anear, it seemed to me
That somewhat larger had it grown
Since first I cast mine eyes upon
Its wondrous beauty. Greater height
The bush had gained, but not yet quite3510
The bud had oped its eye to show
The golden grain that lay below;
While o’er its head, as ’twere a roof,
The petals bent them for behoof
And guarding of the precious seed,
Which future roses yet should breed.
But, God be thanked, the bud I found
Of just expansion, full and round
