Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/43

In suchwise that, their avarice
Excited, they exalt the price8010
Of Roses.
Use gold sparingly These rich dullards dream
To gain advantage, but extreme
Of damage do themselves. Much gold
They pay for that which else were sold
At vilest price. ’Twere much the best
If each awhile forbore request
To such-like scum, right cheaply then
Were bought and sold these gaoler men.
If only suitors would arrange
Among themselves that no exchange8020
Of gifts go on or prayers be made
To watch-dogs, then ere long were stayed
Traffic in roses, which must die
If none were found to bribe or buy.
Assuredly I love not well
Men who abase themselves to sell
Their faith for filthy lucre, and
Not willingly would set my hand
To such-like business. Yet delay
Must you avoid, and smooth the way8030
Through them for that you’re bent to do,
Setting the nets to win for you
The game you follow.
Should you stay,
Rivals may gather day by day,
Not one or two, but many a score,
Aye, and perchance some hundreds more
In two-and-fifty weeks, till last
You’ll find your chances spent and past.