Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/214

The Duenna flattered But solely for the pure delight
Of seeing you, if so we might,
And offering on our bended knees
Our bounden service; an’t you please
Take all we own and you shall be
Secure, through us, from treachery;
And, if it fain you, lady sweet,
To whom both deeds and words unmeet
Are strangers, we desire to ask
A boon that can but lightly task13100
Your kindness, ’tis that you allow
Fair-Welcome, who doth languish now
In durance, hither to descend
A pleasant hour with us to spend.
Or at the least, we pray you, deign
That he the Lover’s heart may fain
With some few words, for each one’s voice
The other’s spirit would rejoice
Past measure, and ’twould cost you nought.
Nay, by this grace, you will have bought13110
Fair-Welcome’s homage, and may do
With him whate’er seems good to you,
Torture, ill-treat him, hang or sell,
Or gain a friend who loves you well.
Behold his jewels at command,
A morse, and rings to deck your hand,
And if you’re kind to him, be sure,
Ere long he’ll give you a parure
Of diamonds; frank, free, and true
Of heart he’ll show himself to you,13120
Nor need you fear he e’er will chide,
For in his inmost heart doth hide