![Manuscript](../img_360/032v_360.jpg) |
1699 That kynde hath sett thorough his knowyng
1700 Aboute the rede roses spryngyng.
1701 The stalke was as rish right,
1702 And theron stode the knoppe upright,
1703 That it ne bowide upon no side.
1704 The swote smelle spronge so wide
1705 That it dide all the place Aboute
1706 Whanne I hadde smelled the savour swote,
1707 No will hadde I fro thens yit goo,
1708 But somdell neer it wente I thoo,
1709 To take it; but myn hond, for drede,
1710 Ne dorste I to the rose bede,
1711 ffor thesteles sharpe, of many maners,
1712 Netles, thornes, and hokede breres;
1713 ffor mych they distourbled me,
1714 ffor sore I dradde to harmed be.
1715 Te god of love, with bowe bent,
1716 That all day sette hadde his talent
1717 To pursuen and to spien me,
1718 Was stondyng by a fige tree.
1719 And whanne he sawe hou that I
1720 Hadde chosen so ententifly
1721 The botheum, more unto my paie
1722 Than ony other that I say,
|