Romance of the Rose (Ellis)

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Romance of the Rose (1900)
by W Lorris and J Clopinel, translated by F S Ellis

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Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun4448149Romance of the Rose1900Frederick Startridge Ellis

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Vol. 1

Vol. 2

Vol. 3

THE
ROMANCE
of the ROSE
by W LORRIS
& J CLOPINEL
ENGLISHED
by F S ELLIS
VOL ONE

MDCCCC • PUBLISHED • BY • J • M • DENT
AND • CO : ALDINE HOUSE • LONDON • W • C

THE
TEMPLE
CLASSICS

THE ROMANCE OF THE ROSE

Englished and
Edited by

F. S. ELLIS

TABLE OF CHAPTERS

chap.			page
	Prologue		v
	Summary of Chapters in Volume I		xvii
	Principal Characters		xxxii
I.	lines 1-128, Fr. 1-130		1
		The famed Romance that hight the Rose, Behold! love's art its leaves enclose.
II.	lines 129-528, Fr. 131-530		5
		The Lover here essays to draw, The wondrous counterfeits he saw Painted along the garden wall. Before our eyes doth he recall, Lifelike, the semblance, form and fame Of cach, and tells thereof the name. And first, with lively pen, portrays Of Hate the direful works and ways.
III.	lines 529-742, Fr. 531-742		18
		Here is described how Idleness Unto the Dreamer gave ingress.
IV.	lines 743-802, Fr. 743-796		25
		Herein the Lover tells of Gladness: A dame is she who, casting sadness To the wild winds, doth nought but play And carol through the livelong day.
V.	lines 803-896, Fr. 797-890		27
		Herein the Dreamer's pen doth draw The semblance of the dance he saw And joined in, and relates how she, Hight Courtesy, essays to be His guide, and gently tells him who Dance there, and all they say and do.
VI.	lines 897-1038, Fr. 891-1044		30
		The Dreamer hear ye now declare What guise the God of Love doth bear.
VII.	lines 1039-1268, Fr. 1045-1264		35
		Here tells the Dreamer of Richesse, Who counteth her of high noblesse, But so consumed is she with pride, That all poor men she casts aside, And therefore less beloved by far Than those who sweet and courteous are.
VIII.	lines 1269-1306, Fr. 1265-1300		42
		Herein the author’s pen essays To show why Courtesy the praise Deserves of all men; love she spreads Around her wheresoe’er she treads.
IX.	lines 1307-1334, Fr. 1301-1328		43
		And lastly here is told of Youth, Reckless, naive, and wild forsooth.
X.	lines 1335-1492, Fr. 1329-1486		44
		The God of Love with care doth watch The Lover’s steps, in hope to catch Him unawares, and so the five Bright arrows through his heart to drive.
XI.	lines 1493-1536, Fr. 1487-1538		50
		The author here of fair Narcisse Doth tell the tale, who was, ywis, Drawn on to love his proper shade, Seen in a well, and thereby made His life so wretched, that at last He pined and wasted till he passed To nothingness. His soul doth sit Beside the fount and dream of it.
XII.	lines 1537-1750, Fr. 1539-1740		51
		This telleth how Narcissus sighed His soul away in tearful tide Through fond self-love; yet died he not. But lives within this fount, I wot.
XIII.	lines 1751-1960, Fr. 1741-1950		58
		Herein the Dreamer telleth how He felt the shaft of Cupid’s bow, E’en as he sought his hand to close Around the stem, and snatch the rose, Whose fragrance though his soul had sent Such madness and bewilderment. But this, his fondest hope, denied The God of Love, who him espied.
XIV.	lines 1961-2030, Fr. 1951-2028		65
		Herein is told how Love amain The Dreamer claims his prisoner—fain Is he to yield him at command, As liegeman ’neath his master-hand.
XV.	lines 2031-2076, Fr. 2029-2076		67
		From Youth, which had deceived his heart, The Lover tears himself apart, And to the God of Love doth now In homage, as his liegeman, bow.
XVI.	lines 2077-2158, Fr. 2077-2158		69
		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.
XVII.	lines 2159-2878, Fr. 2159-2852		72
		Herein the God of Love doth teach The Lover, and against the breach Of laws contained in this Romance He warns him, lest he err perchance.
XVIII.	lines 2879-2902, Fr. 2853-2876		95
		The Lover plains that forth doth go The God, and leaves him lost in woe.
XIX.	lines 2903-3053, Fr. 2877-3028		96
		Fair-Welcome here the Lover learneth How that for which his spirit yearneth May be attained, and courteously Leads where he sorely longs to be.
XX.	lines 3054-3064, Fr. 3029-3040		101
		This tells how Danger, filled with ire, Expels, with ignominy dire, The Lover, and Fair-Welcome eke, Whose grief no words e’er framed could speak.
XXI.	lines 3065-3096, Fr. 3041-3072		102
		Danger, fell guardian of the Rose, The Lover drives from out the close. Upon his neck a club he bare. As he a thief or madman were.
XXII.	lines 3097-3204, Fr. 3073-3178		103
		How Reason, well-beloved of God, The Lover warns that he hath trod The path of folly, when above His reason, madly set he love.
XXIII.	lines 3205-3242, Fr. 3197-3218		106
		Herein the Lover makes reply To Reason, who would Love decry.
XXIV.	lines 3243-3260, Fr. 3219-3236		108
		Counselled by Love, the Lover makes Confession to his friend, and takes Thereby great comfort, seen that he The case aredeth skilfully.
XXV.	lines 3261-3288, Fr. 3237-3264		108
		The Friend’s soft gentle words allay The Lover’s fears, and smooth his way.
XXVI.	lines 3289-3388, Fr. 3265-3363		109
		The Lover loud to Danger cries For mercy, and with flattery plies His rugged soul, till thus he gains The boon wherefor he spends his pains.
XXVII.	lines 3389-3496, Fr. 3365-3474		113
		This tells how Pity and Franchise went Together, fraught with good intent, To seek out Danger, and relate The Lover's woebegone estate.
XXVIII.	lines 3497-3622, Fr. 3475-3596		117
		Fair-Welcome here the Lover brings, With many sweet-voiced welcomings, Within the cincture whence the Rose, Across the air its fragrance throws.
XXIX.	lines 3623-3688, Fr. 3597-3662		121
		Queen Venus’ ardent torch doth fire The Lover’s bosom with desire So fervid, that he dares the Rose To kiss, in faith 'twill heal his woes.
XXX.	lines 3689-3830, Fr. 3663-3800		124
		Here green-eyed Jealousy doth scold Fair-Welcome for the falsehoods told By Evil-Tongue against him, he Loves to load men with calumny.
XXXI.	lines 3831-3972, Fr. 3801-3932		129
		Herein ’tis told how Fear and Shame, In deep concern, to Danger came, Demanding wherefore spared he blows ‘Gainst those who dared approach the Rose.
XXXII.	lines 3973-4314, Fr. 3933-4282		134
		This tells how Jealousy, by spite Urged on, a towering prison dight Amidst the precinct, wherein she Immured Fair-Welcome, for that he Had let the Lover’s lips once press The Rose, through courteous kindliness.
XXXIII.	lines 4315-4496, Fr. 4283-4450		145
		Dan William Lorris when he died, Had written nothing more beside The verses thou hast read. But when A forty years had flitted, then John Clopinel the end did speed— Behold his work, which all may read.
XXXIV.	lines 4497-5008, Fr. 4451-4952		151
		Herein we meet again sweet Reason, Who ever, in or out of season, Findeth, before all else, delight For erring men the path to dight.
XXXV.	lines 5009-5902, Fr. 4953-5838		169
		Herein the needy man doth stand Before his friend, and at his hand Requires that of his goods he give Fair share, that he in ease may live.
XXXVI.	lines 5903-5946, Fr. 5839-5888		200
		Learn how Virginias made his plea To Appius, who corruptedly His fair and well-loved daughter gave To Claudius for his chattel slave.
XXXVII.	lines 5947-6228, Fr. 5889-6162		201
		This telleth how—the judgment given— Virginius unto madness driven, Strake off his well-loved daughter’s head, Though to her life his life was wed, Preferring rather that his child Should die unstained than live defiled; Then the sad head to Appius sent, Who met his well-earned chastisement.
XXXVIII.	lines 6229-6518, Fr. 6163-6440		211
		Unto the Lover Reason shows Dame Fortune’s wheel, and how it goes. Pointing that lack of power hath she O’er men, brave, resolute, and free.
XXXIX.	lines 6519-6576, Fr. 6441-6494		221
		How Emperor Nero, in his mad And cruel unchecked fury, bade In daylight clear, before his eyes, His minions to anatomise His mother living, and the spot Disclose where he was erst begot.
XL.	lines 6577-6794, Fr. 6495-6710		223
		How Seneca, that noble man, Succumbed beneath his pupil’s ban; Set in a bath to die was he, By Nero’s savage cruelty.
XLI.	lines 6795-6884, Fr. 6711-6796		230
		This tells how Nero sought to hide Within a garden, where he died, Self-slain. Thus, coward-like, life’s stage He fled, nor dared the people’s rage.
XLII.	lines 6885-7606, Fr. 6797-7526		233
		This tells how Phanie to the king Gave warning that his pride would bring Him shameful death. The dream but sung His knell, when he on gallows hung.

END OF VOL. I.

Printed by Ballantyne, Hanson & Co.
Edinburgh & London

Vol. 1

Vol. 2

Vol. 3

THE
ROMANCE
of the ROSE
by W LORRIS
& J CLOPINEL
ENGLISHED
by F S ELLIS
VOL TWO

MDCCCC • PUBLISHED • BY • J • M • DENT
AND • CO : ALDINE HOUSE • LONDON • W • C

THE
TEMPLE
CLASSICS

THE ROMANCE OF THE ROSE

Englished and
Edited by

F. S. ELLIS

TABLE OF CHAPTERS

chap.			page
	Summary of Chapters in Volume II		v
XLIII.	lines 7607-8184, Fr. 7527-8096		1
		Herein is told how Reason left The ’wildered Lover all bereft Of comfort, but straightway a Friend He finds, whose words his woes amend.
XLIV.	lines 8185-8358, Fr. 8097-8266		21
		Herein the Lover tells how he Misdoubts his triple enemy, But hopeth still beneath the brand To bring them of stern Justice’ hand.
XLV.	lines 8359-8466, Fr. 8267-8374		27
		How Poverty doth make her plea To Dame Richesse most ruefully, Who listeth not her piteous word, But turns away as nought she heard.
XLVI.	lines 8467-8810, Fr. 8375-8712		30
		The Friend the Lover doth remind That one man only did he find Faithful in poverty, but he Gave all he had, unstintingly.
XLVII.	lines 8811-8866, Fr. 8713-8772		41
		This telleth how in days gone by Earth’s children had no treasury Or store of goods, but everything Was common, free of prince or king.
XLVIII.	lines 8867-8938, Fr. 8773-8848		43
		This notes how ill-bred men will cry “Out” on their wives through jealousy, Calling them names I scarce dare tell, As minx, jade, harlot, Jezebel.
XLIX.	lines 8939-9056, Fr. 8849-8967		45
		The jealous husband scolds his wife, Remonstrates, blames her course of life, And setteth forth his dire distress At that he calls her wantonness.
L.	lines 9057-9404, Fr. 8968-9307		49
		How chaste Lucrece, through wrath she bare At heart, her noble bosom tare With murderous knife, and death did win In face of husband, sire, and kin.
LI.	lines 9405-9818, Fr. 9308-9696		61
		Beauty and Ugliness assail Fair Chastity with such avail, That they subject her to their dame, Who loves to put chaste maids to shame.
LII.	lines 9819-9960, Fr. 9697-9842		74
		The jealous husband, all a-heat, From scolding next proceeds to beat His wretched wife, and robe and hair Doth in his rage from off her tear.
LIII.	lines 9961-10060, Fr. 9843-9948		79
		How Jason erstwhile ploughed the sea To seek the gold-fleece bravery, And by the folk, where’er he went, Was seen with fear and wonderment.
LIV.	lines 10061-10464, Fr. 9949-10358		82
		Herein behold the manner how Men first agreed their necks to bow Beneath a king, and how he sware The sceptre loyally to bear.
LV.	lines 10465-10504, Fr. 10359-10398		95
		The Lover makes no more delay, But leaves his friend, and seeks the way To where Fair-Welcome lies, for fain Is he to find him once again.
LVI.	lines 10505-10768, Fr. 10399-10662		97
		The Lover findeth Dame Richesse, Who guards the path with carefulness By which the fortress may be ta’en Of those who scatter golden grain.
LVII.	lines 10769-10872, Fr. 10663-10764		106
		With will to ease the Lover’s grief, Appeared to him his mighty chief, The God of Love, who pardoned him That he awhile had deigned to trim His ear to Reason, and, quoth he, Unreason shalt thou henceforth be.
LVIII.	lines 10873-10914, Fr. 10765-10806		109
		Repeats the Lover, word for word, The lesson he from Cupid heard.
LIX.	lines 10915-10970, Fr. 10807-10864		112
		Herein his barons, one and all, Doth Love to stalwart battle call By letter, which an envoy takes, Who no account of danger makes.
LX.	lines 10971-11412, Fr. 10865-11312		114
		To all the host doth Love explain His purpose to assault and gain The castle, and Fair-Welcome free From out his bonds and slavery.
LXI.	lines 11413-11686, Fr. 11313-11576		128
		Herein the God of Love retains False-Seeming as his man, and gains Applause thereby, the host doth ring With shouts to crown him Ribalds’ King.
LXII.	lines 11687-12084, Fr. 11577-11984		138
		Learn how False-Seeming, traitor vile, Men’s hearts doth readily beguile, When grey and black he clothes him in, With saintly visage pale and thin.
LXIII.	lines 12085-12696, Fr. 11985-12592		151
		False-Seeming doth the case relate Of mendicants and their estate.
LXIV.	lines 12697-12766, Fr. 12593-12666		172
		False-Seeming as a pilgrim goes, Disguised, to Evil-Tongue; and shows Constrainèd-Abstinence likewise Herself to him in saintly guise.
LXV.	lines 12767-12846, Fr. 12667-12746		174
		False-Seeming, linked with Abstinence, To aid the Lover makes pretence Of guesting with foul Evil-Tongue, Whose lash hath many a good man stung.
LXVI.	lines 12847-12952, Fr. 12747-12846		177
		The Dreamer hear ye now declare What guise the God of Love doth bear.
LXVII.	lines 12953-13042, Fr. 12847-12932		181
		False-Seeming lightly giveth mate To Evil-Tongue, with well-filed prate.
LXVIII.	lines 13043-13066, Fr. 12933-12956		184
		How by a razor—not a sword— Met Evil-Tongue his just reward, Therewith False-Seeming cut his tongue From out his mouth—his knell was rung.
LXIX.	lines 13067-13270, Fr. 12957-13164		185
		False-Seeming, who to lovers shows Sweet comfort, with his leman goes Across the threshold, with him he Doth Largess lead and Courtesy.
LXX.	lines 13271-13416, Fr. 13165-13310		192
		The crone, desirous to console Fair-Welcome’s grief and bitter dole, The Lover’s story doth relate, Who is for him disconsolate.
LXXI.	lines 13417-13714, Fr. 13311-13598		197
		Induced by what the hag bath said, Fair-Welcome setteth on his head The garland, and doth take therein A pledge to sell his very skin.
LXXII.	lines 13715-13876, Fr. 13599-13765		207
		Herein the harridan prepares Fair-Welcome’s mind for love affairs, And shows how evil women may, In love, both go and lead astray.
LXXIII.	lines 13877-14554, Fr. 13766-14444		212
		This tells how Dido, mighty queen Of Carthage, racked with sorrow keen For that great love she suffered through Æneas, with a sword-thrust slew Herself, and how fair Phillis won A cruel death through Demophon.
LXXIV.	lines 14555-14652, Fr. 14445-14542		234
		How Vulcan once espied his wife Engaged with Mars in amorous strife, When cunningly he threw a snare Around the fond but guilty pair.
LXXV.	lines 14653-15408, Fr. 14543-15307		237
		Herein example may you see Of Nature’s power and subtlety.

END OF VOL. II

Printed by Ballantyne, Hanson & Co.
Edinburgh & London

Vol. 1

Vol. 2

Vol. 3

THE
ROMANCE
of the ROSE
by W LORRIS
& J CLOPINEL
ENGLISHED
by F S ELLIS
VOL THREE

MDCCCC • PUBLISHED • BY • J • M • DENT
AND • CO : ALDINE HOUSE • LONDON • W • C

THE
TEMPLE
CLASSICS

THE ROMANCE OF THE ROSE

Englished and
Edited by

F. S. ELLIS

TABLE OF CHAPTERS

chap.			page
	Summary of Chapters in Volume III		v
LXXVI.	lines 15409-15480, Fr. 15308-15378		1
		Herein doth the Duenna teach The Lover means by which to reach His end, and, whispering, doth relate How he may pass the postern gate. And good her lesson proved to be, For soon he entered secretly.
LXXVII.	lines 15481-15530, Fr. 15429-15558		3
		How in the fastness of the tower The Lover gains Fair-Welcome’s bower, Who offers his desire to speed. False-Seeming ’twas who helped his need.
LXXVIII.	lines 15531-15656, Fr. 15429-15558		5
		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.
LXXIX.	lines 15657-15794, Fr. 15559-15698		9
		This tells how Danger, Fear, and Shame In force against the Lover came And beat him, till for mercy he Begged, with profound humility.
LXXX.	lines 15795-15854, Fr. 15699-15758		14
		How all the Barons of the host Together run, for fear that lost May be their friend, who cruelly Is beaten by the guardians three.
LXXXI.	lines 15855-15882, Fr. 15759-15786		16
		Herein the Author doth disown, To save his honour and renown, Unseemly words, and prays that he May not be taken wrongfully.
LXXXII.	lines 15883-15918, Fr. 15787—15824		17
		The Author prays that his intent Be kindly ta’en—no harm is meant.
LXXXIII.	lines 15919-16030, Fr. 15825-15934		18
		The Author trusts that not askance Will ladies view this fair Romance.
LXXXIV.	lines 16031-16244, Fr. 15935-16146		22
		Here doth the Author turn again Unto his tale, and tells amain How Dame Franchise with Danger sought To combat, but all vainly fought.
LXXXV.	lines 16245-16342, Fr. 16147-16247		29
		This tells how Hide-Well overcame In well-fought field the recreant Shame. And Fear and Courage in like way Show forth their skill in weapon-play,
LXXXVI.	lines 16343-16396, Fr. 16248-16302		33
		This tells how Fear ’gainst Surety fought, And each the other’s ruin sought, While many a champion interwove Fierce combat, and for mastery strove.
LXXXVII.	lines 16397-16440, Fr. 16303-16346		34
		This tells how messengers, by Love, Are sent Queen Venus’ heart to move, In such wise that she condescend Her help to Cupid’s host to lend.
LXXXVIII.	lines 16441-16522, Fr. 16347-16430		36
		Venus, possessed with boding fear, Doth counsel her Adonis dear, That he in nowise should pursue Fierce beasts, lest she his death may rue.
LXXXIX.	lines 16523-16546, Fr. 16431-16456		39
		How eight young doves the glorious car Of Venus bore to where afar Her son’s great hosting was arrayed, And how she brought him speedy aid.
XC.	lines 16547-16640, Fr. 16457-16552		40
		The host, with will the fort to take, Against it fierce assault doth make, Yet hath the god but small success, Though fight his troops with hardiness, For those within resistance stout Make to assailants from without.
XCI.	lines 16641-16954, Fr. 16553-16850		43
		How Nature’s stithy doth supply Earth’s sons and daughters constantly, For fear the race of men were spent, If she thereof proved negligent.
XCII.	lines 16955-17072, Fr. 16851-16954		53
		How Zeuxis, famed of old, did try To paint fair Nature perfectly; And on his glorious task intent Great care and labour freely spent.
XCIII.	lines 17073-17186, Fr. 16955-17062		57
		This tells how Nature, Goddess sweet, Knelt low at her confessor’s feet; Who gently hade her calm her fears. Comfort her heart, and dry her tears.
XCIV.	lines 17187-17348, Fr. 17063-17220		61
		Herein much labour have I spent With honest purpose and intent, Of showing forth to every man How to defend him from the ban Of taking such a mate as may His goods despoil and life betray.
XCV.	lines 17349-17542, Fr. 17221-17412		67
		The husband lets the cord around His neck be by his folly bound, Telling his secret to his wife— Her soul she loses—he his life.
XCVI.	lines 17543-17846, Fr. 17413-17724		73
		Here note you how, with loving care, Nature doth in confession fare.
XCVII.	lines 17847-18410, Fr. 17725-18300		83
		Nature relates what griefs and cares She for the sake of mankind bears.
XCVIII.	lines 18411-19420, Fr. 18301-19296		100
		How Themis to Deucalion gave Such counsel, as would surely save The human race, if only he With Pyrrha wrought discerningly.
XCIX.	lines 19421-20166, Fr. 19297—20028		133
		Here Nature brings before our eyes The source whence only can arise Nobility, and so displays Its modes and manners, works and ways.
C.	lines 20167-20278, Fr. 20029-20136		156
		Herein is told how Nature sends Genius to Cupid and his friends, That he their courage may excite With unabated zeal to fight.
CI.	lines 20279-20346, Fr. 20137-20206		160
		This tells how Lady Nature went To work—as on much labour bent— Within her forge straightway, for she Loves to do all things thoroughly. Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 3.pdf/276

This work was published before January 1, 1930, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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