Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/272

To talk with such an one on love,
If lies or truth his tongue should move
And whether he lay or churchman were,
Or regular or secular,
Cinctured with girdle grey or red,
Or hood or hat bedecked his head,14860
He should right soon declare his flame,
Whether in me he saw the same
To burn, or only deemed a whim
I had myself to yield to him.
Nature for ever busies her.
Desire in all men’s hearts to stir,
Mars and Venus Therefore, dear son, should we be slow
Venus and Mars to blame, I trow.
And though the Gods in mockery laughed
To see the pair by Vulcan’s craft14870
Ensnared, yet many a one full fain
Had been, could he the place have ta’en
Of Mars, in Venus’ fond embrace,
While Vulcan, mad with his disgrace,
Two thousand marks had rather given
Than cuckold stand before high heaven.
The pair he thus exposed to shame,
Reckless of scorn henceforth became,
And boldly practised that which they
Strove erst to hide from light of day,14880
Shame and decorum cast aside.
And then the Gods told far and wide
The tale, till all through heaven ’twas known,
From mouth to mouth mid laughter thrown.
And Vulcan stormed with rage to think
The draught he brewed he needs must drink,