Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/242

Who could behold, with heart unmoved,
How thus her constancy was proved
Towards the treacherous man through whom
Her joyous life met death’s grim doom.

Legend of fair women And Phillis fair, who did await
Her Demophon, disconsolate,13920
And, for he came not, with a cord
Sought death, since false she proved his word.

Of Paris and Œnone hear—
She, body and soul, forgetting fear,
Gave up to him; with what return?
Alas! her love he did but spurn.
Small letters on the trees he cut
To tell her of his flitting; but
Her love reflected not his heart;
He less esteemed it than a tart.13930
These letters were right skilfully
Engraven on a poplar tree.
And said, till Xanthus sought again
His source, he faithful would remain;
Alas! though that did ne’er occur,
For Helen he deserted her.

Was not Medea, beauteous maid,
By Jason treacherously betrayed,
Who perjured him, though she, to save
His life, both home and honour gave,13940
When the fierce bulls with breath of fire
Would work on him destruction dire?
She braved the flames with subtle charms,

Subdued the beasts and saved from harms