Romance of the Rose (Ellis)/Chapter 24

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XXIV

Counselled by Love, the Lover makes
Confession to his friend, and takes
Thereby great comfort, seen that he
The case aredeth skilfully.

The Lover seeks a friend I sought him straight, and did unfold
To him my troubled state, and told
At full the amorous lore I’d learned
From Love, and what sore anguish burned3250
Within my breast. I showed to him
The tale complete: how Danger’s grim
Fierce aspect feared me, and how he
Fair-Welcome chased with contumely,
And threatened o’er my back to break
His club, if I should dare to take
The Rose-bud, or should venture in,
With hope my sweet desire to win.
When all the truth my friend had heard
He uttered no desponding word,3260