# Romance of the Rose (Ellis)/Chapter 16

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XVI
This tells how Cupid skilfully The Lover’s heart with golden key Locked in such wise, that though his breast It entered, nought it harmed his vest.2080
The Lover’s heart is locked Love then from forth his alm’ner drew A little key, well-wrought anew Of thrice refined gold, and said: “This to thy heart my hand must wed; To its safe keeping I confide My jewels; ne’er hath it belied My perfect trust. It doth possess Great virtue, and in size though less Than thy small finger, yet ’tis strong; The name that to it doth belong2090 Is: Mistress of my jewels rare.”
The Lover speaks.
Forthwith Love touched my side with care, And so adroitly turned the key, That scarce its path was known to me. His utter will he thus worked out, And when I felt ’twas done past doubt, ​I cried: “But one desire doth fill My heart, which is to work thy will, And humbly beg my homage due Thou wilt accept for loyal and true.2100 My words proceed not from a heart Wherein disloyalty hath part, For every servant’s work is vain, Whose master treateth with disdain The service offered, though it be Tendered with loving loyalty.”
Love speaks.
Love’s guerison Then Love replied; “Cast fear away: Since thou hast given thyself to-day To me, most willingly I take Thee to my service, and will make2110 Thy name renowned therein, if ye Misdo not; yet but leisurely Good gifts oft come, and many a pain Must ye endure before ye gain Relief. With faithful patience wait, And I from out thy hard estate Will bring thee; well to me is known That which will work thy guerison. If loyal and true thou dost remain. Such sovereign balm thy heart shall fain,2120 As all thy wounds shall quickly heal. Soon shall I see if thou dost deal Me faithful service, by my head! And if thou day and night hast sped All those commandments faithfully Which true hearts only have from me.”
The Lover speaks.
Instruc­tion claimed “Great Sire,” I cried, “for love of God, Before your foot forsakes this sod, I pray you all your high behest Set forth, for here I stand confessed2130 Your humble servitor, whose great Desire it is, both rathe and late, To do your will, and fain would learn Each point, nor thence hereafter turn.”
Love speaks.
Then answered Love: “Thou speakest well: But little boots good wit to tell To those who heed not, masters lose Their pains unless their scholars choose Within their memories fast to hold The counsel wisdom’s lips unfold.”2140
The Lover speaks.
Then Cupid set himself to teach Me, word for word, such things as reach The very pith of his commands. In this Romance each precept stands Plain writ, and those who inly yearn For love may ill its mystery learn From out its page. ’Tis ever well To list that man who knows to tell His story throughly. Many a new And wondrous thing, though strange yet true,2150 This dream sets forth, and he who hears The end thereof, the hopes and fears ​And joys of love may learn, and grow The deep significance to know The tale containeth. Now is hid The truth, which all uncoverèd Shall be when you have read throughout The story—clear of lies or doubt.
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