Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/180

Uncertainty of Hope Her courteous, sweet and debonair,
Small wit have they who trust her fair
And specious seeming. Yea, although
Sweet kindness she at times may show
To lovers, other whiles will she
Lure them to deepest misery.
And oftentimes will Hope pretend
One’s love to be, but in the end
Prove false, and many have found her thus.
Most sweet and dear, but treacherous.4540
How many by her wiles have been
Drawn on to love, yet ne’er have seen
Fulfilment. Nothing more she knows
Of what shall hap, than he who throws
The dice, and often those who trust
In Hope’s fair promises are thrust
From highest heaven to deepest hell,
As many a love-lorn wight could tell.
And many a worthy man, alas!
Through her hath seen his best days pass4350
To wreck and ruin. With her can be
Nought certain, for uncertainty.
It is^{[errata 1]} she lives on. Yet her will
It is, the longing to fulfil
Of those who wait on her. Oh why
Should I then blame her wrathfully?
Yet what avails her help or aid?
Have I gained aught from her that made
My sufferings less? Nowise I trow.
For ne’er I find her promise grow4360
To ripeness, and a promise fair
That doth not fruit in season bear,

1. Correction: It is should be amended to Alone: detail