Romance of the Rose (Ellis)/Chapter 18
XVIII
The Lover plains that forth doth go
The God, and leaves him lost in woe.2880
The God of Love departs
No sooner was his counsel sped,
Than suddenly, quick vanished
The Lord of Love, and all amazed
I stood, as one aghast and dazed.
Once more I felt misease to prick
My soul with anguish to the quick,
And straightway felt that I must gain
The rosebud, would I cure the pain
That racked my wounded heart. To none
I looked for help except alone2890
The God of Love. Full well I knew
That vain and foolish ’twere to sue
For others’ aid: no power but his
Could save me in this pass ywis.
A hedge thick-grown with thorns stood round
The rose-tree, but at one short bound
Had I o’erpassed its height, and bent
My hand to pluck the bud, whose scent
Perfumed the air, save that I feared.
To be estopped, whene’er I neared2900
The goal I sought, and fail to get
The prize whereon my soul was set.