# Romance of the Rose (Ellis)/Chapter 78

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LXXVIII
How the fond Lover’s hope to gain The Rose, through Danger fell, proved vain, For soon as his attempt he spied, With fearsome shout the monster cried.
Vain hope Alas! fools’ projects oft fall short! Of fate I seemed the toy and sport, For even as I raised my hand, Foul Danger in the path did stand. The villain may a wolf devour! Hid in an angle, near the flower,15540 He stood, and, watching us, each word Set down that he betwixt us heard, And then with rage and fury yelled,
Danger to the Lover.
Again chased forth Fly, varlet! quick! I bid you fly Forthwith, unless you long to die, The devil ’tis that brings you here, The fiend accurst, the ravisher, In this base robbery fain would he Take part, I doubt not, readily.15550 Although no saint afford me aid, God help me! be you well afraid O vassal, lest I break your head.
The Lover.
Then Fear and Shame together sped Towards me when they heard him cry “Fly! fly! thou varlet,” lustily. Ah! had he merely used his tongue! But he the devil brought among Us there, and drove the saints away; What tricks the treacherous wretch doth play! And then, fulfilled of rage, the three,15560 With one accord fell foul of me, Thrusting my hands behind my back. Cried they, “Of more you needs must lack Than what you have already won. ’Tis plain by what you now have done That you Fair-Welcome understood But ill when he would work you good. His all he lightly offered you With heart, kind, generous, frank, and true,15570 And you with utter disregard Of honesty his goods had shared Beyond the sense in which ’twas meant. For, though unspoken, the intent ​Is clear when one doth nobly make An offer for politeness’ sake. What more than that could mortal do? The Lover reproached But we, sir trickster, ask of you Wherefore his words in plainest sense You take not, free of all pretence?15580 To understand his words awry Convicts you of stupidity. Or else perchance you deem it fit To play the part of foolish wit. To you the Rose he offered not, And indecorous ’twere, we wot, For you to ask him such a thing, Or snatch it, he not offering. Straightly we ask with what intent Your offering unto him was sent;15590 Was not your end, as we suppose, To cozen him, and steal the Rose? With treachery vile and falseness you Profess to him that you will do Some service, though in truth his foe You prove. Ne’er yet in book, we trow, Was writ a crime more wholly curst. Therefore, although your heart should burst With grief, this precinct must you flee, Wherefrom we drove you formerly.15600 The devil ’twas that brought you back, For scarce can you remembrance lack How you from out this place were driven; Be off, and seek another heaven. Small sense displayed that guardian who Chose to admit a fool like you, ​For had she known your treacherous mind, She ne’er had suffered you behind The hedge to win. Grossly deceived Fair-Welcome was when he received15610 Your visit here, he thought to be Your friend, and found but treachery. You’re like a dog that swims a-land, And on the bank doth barking stand. Be off! go seek your prey elsewhere, And let your footsteps quickly bear You hence; away! our stairs descend Forthwith, or ware you evil end; For chance it is one cometh here Eftsoons whose face you well may fear,15620 For simple reckoning will he measure With one who hither comes on pleasure.
Fear and Shame speak Sir madman! vile, presumptuous sot! Who neither faith nor truth doth wot, What hath Fair-Welcome ’gainst you done? By some foul crime hath he then won Your anger and undying hate That you his life would desolate? And when all things that you possessed You proffered him, ’twere lightly guessed15630 That ’twas with hope he would receive You hither, and our watch deceive For your behoof, and e’en his birds And dogs give you for your fair words. Right foolishly hath he behaved, But, by the God who all men saved, And by St. Faith, so great a wrong Hath he committed, that in strong ​And cruel durance shall he lie From day to day all hopelessly.15640 Bound shall he be with many a chain, Nor ever while he lives shall gain Freedom, whereby he might once more, Vex us again as heretofore. ’Twas to your loss that e’er you saw This caitiff, who defies our law.
The Author.
Fair-Welcome’s evil case Then not alone they beat him, but Within the tower they closely shut Their victim, and, with insults great, ’Neath three strong locks incarcerate15650 Him hopelessly; handcuff and chain Are needless, for three locks make vain All chance of flight. ’Twas but a taste (Since now were they oppressed with haste) Of pain to come when they returned, For ’gainst him hot their anger burned.