Romance of the Rose (Ellis)/Chapter 81
LXXXI
Herein the Author doth disown,
To save his honour and renown,
Unseemly words, and prays that he
May not be taken wrongfully.
The Author.
O understand, ye lovers true
(May Venus’ son keep watch o’er you
For ever, with a gentle eye),15861
Within this bosket you the cry
May hear of dogs as they pursue
The coney, and the ferret too
Shall drive him onwards towards the snare
Which subtle hands for him prepare.
In noting all that I have said,
You will in love be well bestead,
And if you aught of trouble find,
Thereon will I illume your mind,15370
For you shall hear me, bit by bit,
Set forth the dream and gloss on it,
And lightly then may you explain
Love’s art to those who deem it vain.
Clear shall be made by that I write
E’en now, what I did erst indite,
And also that which followeth.
But ere I further spend my breath,
I fain would say one little word,
Lest evil tongues be ’gainst me stirred.15880
No purpose have I to abuse
Pure minds, but would my faith excuse.