Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/175

Jealousy is cruel Our friendship, but remember you,
That though she keep you from my view,
Your heart is mine, e’en though your flesh
She torture. O keep ever fresh4190
And free your spirit ’gainst her guile,
Nor suffer that her rede defile
Your mind with treason; keep it pure,
Although your body may endure
Dark prison. Gentle hearts but show
More brightly when they undergo
Fierce chastisement. If Jealousy
Declare herself thine enemy,
Take courage and defend your right,
Nor courage lack to face her spite,4200
At least in thought: do this, and I
Shall peace and solace gain thereby.
But now am I borne down by dole,
Lest you, within your secret soul
Perchance but con me little thank,
Since ’twas for me, alas! you drank
This cup of bitterness. But ne’er
My heart hath been so base as bear
One treasonous thought against you. None
Dare ever charge me to have done4210
One deed whereof I need repent.
God knows ’neath what a weight is bent
My sorrowing heart: e’en more than you
I suffer, for remorse doth brew
For me a bitter draught; well-nigh,
In truth, I come near death when I
Remember all my loss. ’Twould be
Small marvel though fear mastered me,