Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/151

My mother is of high renown,
And many a fortress hath cast down
That cost a thousand bezants, though
Within the precincts ne’er did go
My footsteps; often men declare
Some conquest mine, when I no share
Or part have had therein—no doit
I love or value such exploit.
Such victories in my ears but ring
Of merchandise and bargaining.

Love not to be bought Who for a hundred pounds doth buy
A steed, and pays it presently,
Is of the bargain free and quit,11260
As he likewise who sold him it.
A bargain is apart from love.
And none should guerdon seek above
A price agreed that is to be—
That paid, the bargainers are free.

Love bought and sold is worse affair;
For when a man his horse with care
Hath stabled, he can sell amain
His purchase, maybe at a gain,
If so he will, nor doth he lose
Wholly the price, for he can use11270
The skin for leather, and therefrom
Recover somewhat of the sum
He paid. Or if he hold it dear,
Mount it he may, as cavalier,
Full master of the steed is he.
But far worse the affair must be