Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/206

For now no more doth he come here,
And yet Fair-Welcome, racked with fear12870
Must lie in prison, who, natheless,
Had in him nought but willingness
To please you daily, nor e’er sought
To injure you by word or thought,
But dareth now no more amuse
Himself as gentle gallants use.
Of solace is he quite bereft
Since that, through fear of you, hath left
The youth whom joyance hither drew.
What was it then that prompted you12880
To wrong him thus except your lewd
Despite which many a lie hath brewed?

The crime of slander Accursèd be your venomous tongue,
Which to no other chime is rung
But scolding, wrath, and spiteful rage,
And no desire doth e’er engage
But noble men to vilify
By secret stab or barefaced lie,
Affirming rumours scarce begun
As crimes accomplished, past, and done.12890
But I maintain, the tongue aloof
Should hold from all but clearest proof,
And count it worst of crimes to say
That which may rob or filch away
A man’s good name; all this right well
You know, O shameless child of hell.