# Romance of the Rose (Ellis)/Chapter Summary

Layout 2
SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS IN VOLUME I
Though the old English version takes no account of chapters or sections, it is deemed better for the sake of clearness to summarise the 108 sections of which the work consists in their separate sequence, as they are given in the original text.
For convenience of reference, the lines of the French text are marked F. in the margin according to the text of the edition printed in the “Bibliothèque Elzevirienne,” Orléans, 1878. C. represents the lines of the old English version as far as it goes, though a portion only is Chaucer’s.
Cap. I F.1-130. C. 1-134 The question is raised as to the truth or falsity Cap. I. of dreams. The author affirms his belief in their fulfilment, and expresses his intention of relating a vision that befell him in the twentieth year of his age.
He entitles his narrative the “Romance of the Rose,” out of compliment to a lady, who worthily bears the name of that fragrant flower, and with whom he is deeply in love.
Five years ago, as he lay on his bed on a May morning, he dreamed that he leapt from his couch, washed his hands and face, and issued forth into the fresh air, that he might enjoy the matin song of the birds. He wanders ​over flower-besprinkled meadows beside a river, basting his sleeves with a bodkin as he goes.
Cap. II. F. 131-530. C. 135-530.
The characteristics of these various figures are set forth with marvellous force and insight.
Having carefully studied these paintings, and listened with delight to the singing of the birds in the trees that overtop the wall of the garden, the Dreamer becomes possest by extreme longing to gain access to the place, and carefully seeks around in the hope of finding some means of entrance, or a ladder by means of which he may scale the barrier. He at last discovers a small and narrow hornbeam wicket.
Cap. III. F. 531-742. C. 531-742.
Cap. IV. F. 743-96. C. 743-92.
Cap. IV. F. 743-96. C. 743-92.
Cap. V. F. 797-890. C. 793-876.
Cap. VI. F. 891-1044. C. 877-1032.
Cap. VII. F. 1045-1264. C. 1033-1250.
Richesse, who keeps close beside Beauty, is described in careful detail. Beside her sits Largesse, and not far from her is seen the damsel hight Franchise.
Cap. VIII. F. 1265-1300. C. 1251-1280.
Cap. IX. F. 1301-1328. C. 1281-1308.
Cap. X. F. 1329-1486. C. 1309-1468.
Cap. XI. F. 1487-1538. C.1469-1516.
The opening of the story of Narcissus and Echo.
Cap. XII. F. 1539-1740. C.1517-1714.
Cap. XIII. F. 1741-1950. C.1715-1926.
Cap. XIV. F. 1951-2028. C.1927-2032.
Cap. XV. F. 2029-76. C. 2033-86.
To this the Dreamer agrees, and becomes Love’s vassal. [Henceforward he is called the Lover.] The God kisses the Lover’s lips, as token and seal that hereafter he claims him for his vassal and slave, and receives from his captive assurance of submission and devotion.
Cap. XV. F. 2029-76. C. 2033-86.
Cap. XVII. F. 2159-2852. C. 2175-2950.
Cap. XVIII. F. 2853-2876. C. 2951-78.
Cap. XIX. F. 2877-3028. C. 2979-3148.
Cap. XX. F. 3029-40. C. 3149-58.
Cap. XXI. F. 3041-72. C. 3159-88.
Cap. XXII. F. 3073-3178. C. 3189-3304.
Cap. XXIII. F. 3179-3218. C. 3305-47.
Cap. XXIV. F. 3219-36. C. 3348-68.
Cap. XXV. F. 3237-64. C. 3369-94.
His friend reassures him, declaring that Danger is not nearly so formidable as he appears to be, and his best course is to caress and flatter his enemy. Hereat he feels his courage and confidence restored.
Cap. XXVI. F. 3265-3364. C. 3395-3498.
He approaches Danger, and explains to him that albeit he is the bounden servant of Love, he would not for his own weight in silver have willingly given him offence, or done anything to excite his wrath. Danger is somewhat appeased, and bids him serve Love if he will, but unless he desires to feel the weight of his club, he will do well to keep clear of the en­closure where the Roses flourish.
His friend advises patience, and again reminds him that if he is courteous and polite to Danger he will find him less ferocious than he seems. Nevertheless the Lover remains oppressed with grief and misery.
Cap. XXVII. F. 3365-3474. C. 3499-3620.
While in this unhappy condition of mind the God of Love sends to him Franchise and Pity. They reason with Danger, who consents that Fair-Welcome may return to the discon­solate Lover. He reappears, takes the Lover by the hand, and leads him within the en­closure.
Cap. XXVIII. F. 3475-3596. C. 3621-3752.
At once he finds himself transported from hell to paradise. Approaching the Rose, he finds it more beautiful and attractive than ever. Fair-Welcome refuses to assent to his earnest ​prayer that he may be permitted to kiss it, greatly fearing what Chastity may say thereto. Then Venus appears, and, reproaching Fair-Welcome for his hard-heartedness, desires that at least he will permit the Lover to kiss the Rose.
Cap. XXIX. F. 3597-3662. C. 3753-3826.
Cap. XXX. F. 3663-3800. C. 3827-3998.
Cap. XXXI. F. 3801-3932. C. 3999-4144.
Cap. XXXII. F. 3933-42022. C. 4145-4432.
hard fate in being cut off from the society of one he loves so well.
F. 4203-82.
[Here the tale, as told by William Lorris, breaks off abruptly. A later hand has put a summary conclusion to the story, relating how the Lover overcomes Fear, Shame, Evil-Tongue, and Danger by the aid of Venus, and possesses himself of the Rose.]
Here begins the Work of Jean de Meun.
Cap. XXXIIi. F. 4283-4450. C. 4433-4614.
The Lover bemoans his unhappy state. He recalls Love’s promises to give him help and comfort, but how shall he put faith in him who . has deceived so many? If he should die, at least he hopes that the God of Love will take Fair-Welcome under his protection, to whom he leaves by will all that he can call his own, namely, his heart.
While in this forlorn frame of mind he suddenly sees Reason approach him once more. She asks him whether he is not by this time weary of Love’s bondage. Surely not, he replies. Reason then undertakes to instruct him as to the true nature of love, affirming it to be but a mass of contradictions and contrarieties. With this the Lover declares himself but ill content, and asks Reason to explain the matter further. When ​she has finished her discourse the Lover vows that it is to little purpose, for that Love has had his heart under his wing the while, and Reason’s fair arguments but went in at one ear and out at the other.
Cap. XXXV. F. 4953-5838. C. 5239-5810.
[The old English translation breaks off ab­ruptly at 5396 of the French text.]
Cap. XXXVI. F. 5839-5888.
Cap. XXXVI. F. 5889-6162.
Reason continues her tirade on the folly of love and the fickleness of Fortune, interrupted and contested in her discourse by the Lover from time to time.
Cap. XXXVI. F. 6163-6440.
Reason illustrates her argument by somewhat intricate allegories or parables of two rivers, the one bright and clear, the other foul and turbid; and of the palace of Fortune, the one half of which is beautiful and resplendent, while the other is ruinous and wretched.
Cap. XXXIX.-XLII. F. 6441-7526.
The Lover has complained in a former chapter of the freedom of speech used by Reason, who after a digression of several hundred lines now defends herself from the accusation.
The Lover once more declares himself the servant of Love, and says that if he were to submit himself to the dictates of Reason he must prove unfaithful to his master and to the Rose, which he is resolved shall never be, and tells her that if she pushes her argument further he shall take to flight.
For table of chapters and lines of the present version see the end of each volume.