Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/106

The wheel is turned, and he who late
Before her will would fall prostrate
Doth now command, as though he might
From her claim service as of right,
Holds her in check, and makes her feel
That she from him hath no appeal;
She, who but yesterday he named
His mistress, and was nought ashamed9930
To serve, must now serve him, alas!
And many a rude experience pass.
Ah, then she plains her evil case,
Seeing the husband doth displace
The lover, and her closest friend
To friendship puts a bitter end
By contrariety; now no more
He worships her as heretofore.
But dead is joyousness, she dare
Scarce laugh so ’whelmed is she with care.9940
Nor knows she where to turn for aid
When on her neck he looks, afraid
Lest, as erewhile he ne’er took heed
Thereof, he now some ill may speed.
Obedience is her only choice,
For if in plaint she raise her voice,
Woe worth the day! it wakes his rage,
With threats wild war on her to wage.

Primitive simplicity My friend, the earliest men were free
From bondage, yoke, and slavery,9950
And peaceably they shared their good
In perfect love and brotherhood.
Nor had they freedom’s joyance sold
For Araby’s or Frisia’s gold;