# Romance of the Rose (Ellis)/Chapter 28

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XXVIII
Fair-Welcome here the Lover brings, With many sweet-voiced welcomings, Within the cincture whence the Rose, Across the air, its fragrance throws.3500
The Lover’s fair hope And thus I passed—believe me well— To brightest heaven, from darkest hell, For all throughout that closure rare, Fair-Welcome left me free to fare Whereso I would, and when the tree I came anear, it seemed to me That somewhat larger had it grown Since first I cast mine eyes upon Its wondrous beauty. Greater height The bush had gained, but not yet quite3510 The bud had oped its eye to show The golden grain that lay below; While o’er its head, as ’twere a roof, The petals bent them for behoof And guarding of the precious seed, Which future roses yet should breed. But, God be thanked, the bud I found Of just expansion, full and round ​Of growth, and far more fair of hue Than heretofore; it seemed anew3520 To fill my heart with extasy, To think so sweet a thing might be Seen on the surface of the earth. But all the more, now jocund mirth Possessed my heart, with surer hold, Did Love his toils around me fold.
He would kiss the Rose Long time I stood as in a trance, Rejoicing at the wondrous chance That I Fair-Welcome happed to meet, Seeing how well did he entreat3530 My every wish, nor aught deny I asked him. Then, all hastily, I dared to make him one request, Which might his friendship sorely test. “Fair sir,” quoth I, “one great desire Consumes my soul, like ardent fire; ’Tis this, that of the Rose, whose scent With all the air like balm is blent, You would permit me one soft kiss, Bathing my heart in perfect bliss.3540 Fair sir, for love of God, I pray You turn not scornfully away From this appeal, unless in it Something appears you deem unfit.”
Fair-Welcome.
“Dear friend,” cried he, “God be mine aid! If I forsooth were not afraid ​Of Chastity, with pleasure I Would grant your prayer, but verily I dare in nowise contradict Her will, and she hath given most strict3550 And sure commandment, none should touch Or kiss the Rose, however much Or sorely he might plead therefor: I pray you press your suit no more. A kiss would not suffice ‘For one,’ saith she, ‘who should attain To touch and kiss, will not remain Therewith content; he then had got The choicest morsel, well I wot, And pledge, thereby, that one day he Should win the rest all utterly.’”3560
The Lover.
Thus answered, to my mind ’twas clear I must forego my suit, for fear Of angering him. One ne’er should press A prayer to point of wrathfulness. No mortal man, with single stroke, E’er cut atwain a sturdy oak, And none may know wine’s savour sweet, Till grapes are trodden ’neath men’s feet.
My suit for many a day had waited, By this or that mischance belated,3570 If Venus, whom all lovers know As friend to them, and mortal foe To Chastity, had not appeared. Mother of Love is she, endeared ​To all his faithful ones. Her hand Held with firm grasp a flaming brand, Which scorched hath many a damsel’s heart, Fatal oft-times as Cupid’s dart.
Dull were the eye that could not trace The Goddess in her radiant face3580 And fay-like form. ’Twere light to guess, So free her mien, so bright her dress, Religion’s bondage held her not. ’Tis nowise needful, as I wot, To tell the wondrous robes she ware Betrimmed with golden orfreys rare, Nor of the jewelled morse that bound The precious girdle, worn around Her dainty waist, nor hair of gold, That round her knees in wavelets rolled:3590 The tale of this I well may spare. But doubt her not for passing fair, Right gracious, and devoid of pride. Forth stepped she freely, and beside Fair-Welcome stood, then straight began:
Venus.
Venus appears “Wherefore against this love-lorn man Do you display such high disdain? This kiss forbidding, which he fain Would snatch? Do you not clearly see How honour, faith and loyalty,3600 Shine forth in him? His manly grace, His well-formed limbs, his noble face, ​The generous accents of his tongue, Proclaim him vigorous, blithe and young; Whereof thank God! On any dame Or guardian, should I cry out shame, Who, when such lover prayed a kiss, With churlish heart denied that bliss! List then my counsel, and bestow The boon that he desireth so.3610 From archèd lips, his breath as sweet Exhales as southern winds that beat On fresh-blown violet-beds. He seems One of those happy youths whose dreams Are but of soft and sweet desires. His lips are red as ruby fires, And close on teeth as pure and white As fleur-de-lis in springtide bright; And, to my deeming, nought amiss It were to grant him one sweet kiss.3620 So let it be, nor longer stay, ’Twere time but lost to make delay.”