Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/122

To leap, and bound, and pounce, and spring,
So woman deems that everything
She knows in self-same way, nor aught
Believes she needeth to be taught,
But acts as she is led by will,
And right or wrong, or good or ill
Doth, as it entereth her head,
By foolish whim and fancy led;
Rarely it haps she doeth right,
But woe betide the witless wight10430
Who counsels her.
This habit she
Learned of no master, naturally
’Twas born in her, and those who choose
To blame or ’monish women, lose
Their love outright.
Prize highly the Rose And thus it goes,
It seems to me, with your sweet Rose,
Dear friend, you freely would resign
All that you have without repine
To win possession.
When at last
Into your loving care hath past10440
This precious gem, and happiness
Smileth upon you and doth bless
Your soul in perfect wise, the flower
Kind Heaven hath placed within your power
Guard tenderly, and you therein
Such joy shall have as few men win,
For though through fourteen cities ye
Should search, you ne’er its peer shall see.