Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/274

For knows she all the while that he
Thereto entends not seriously.
A woman’s sense Then in her turn will she, with mind
More closely round his heart to wind14920
Her toils, pretend some other is
More suited to her taste, ywis,
And fain of him would she be quit,
Exclaiming: ’Tis but right and fit,
Since I am cuckolded by you,
That our old love were broken through.
Is it surprising if I wish
We both should eat from out one dish?
And then shall he be vexed above
All measure, if so be he love14980
Her fondly, reft his chief delight;
For no man feels love’s flame burn bright
Within his breast, but’s racked with dread,
Lest horns, perchance, adorn his head.

Then, as if some wild beast gave chase,
The chambermaid, with fear-struck face,
Runs in, and cries: Alas! we’re lost,
The master hath this moment crossed
The fore-court! When the damsel hears
This cry, her face wild terror wears,14940
While she her gallant thrusteth in
To some dark cupboard, chest, or bin,
Whence, when the proper time arrive,
She lets him out, more dead than ’live.
And he, who anxiously doth wait
Until she comes to liberate
Him once again, by dire despair

And fear is torn while crouching there.