Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/195

Old age it is that brings men straight
With safety towards the postern-gate
Of life, but natheless, though she be
Heartwise and worthiest company,
Few people love her voice to hear,
Nor hail her steps, approaching near,4770
With welcome; nay, forsooth they hate
Her name as she were reprobate
And villain. For no man desires
To wed with Age and quench the fires
Of Youth that still burn clear and bright
In memory. Still old men delight
To stir the thought of bygone days,
And as the sun with setting rays
Gildeth awhile the world, so flings
Remembrance o’er far distant things,4780
With specious hand, a film of gold,
And putteth in dark shade the old
Forgotten troubles that, above
The throes of pleasure, ruled in love.
Right happy they if aught remains
Of health or goods as life tide wanes.

Youth’s dwelling­ place But art thou fain to know where lives
Youth, unto whom the whole world gives
Such plenteous praise?
In Pleasure’s house
Her woning is, who keeps her thus4790
In bondage, nor desireth she
Aught else than bonded slave to be
To Pleasure; nay, therein she hath
Such joy that followeth she the path
Whereso she leads, and rendereth her,
Both body and soul, her worshipper.