Classic Poem

When I approached the Rose, I found it grown
A little larger than it was before;
A little greater height the bush had gained.
But I was pleased that the unfolding flower
Had not yet spread so as to show the seed,
Which still was by the petals well concealed,
That stood up straight and with their tender folds
Hid well the grains with which the bud was filled
And, thanked be God, the bud's maturer curves
Were better hued and comelier than before.
I was abashed, and marveled at the sight.
The fairer the bud, the more Love fettered me;
The happier I, the more I felt his chains.
Long time I lingered there when I had gained
Fair Welcome's love and good companionship;
And, when I found that he would not deny
His service or his solace, made request
For one thing that 'tis well to mention here.
" Fair sir, " said I, " I have a great desire
To gain a precious kiss from that sweet Rose;
And, if you're not displeased with my request,
I ask that boon. For God's sake, tell me now
If you'll permit the kiss; for certainly
Unless it please you I'll not think of it. "

He made reply, " So help me God, dear friend,
If Chastity did not so frown on me,
I'd not deny you; but I am afraid
Of her, and would not act against her will.
She always tells me not to grant a kiss
To any lover who may ask for it;
For whosoever may a kiss attain
Can hardly be content with nothing more.
You know that one who has a kiss been given
Has gained the better and more pleasing half —
An earnest of the prize that he expects. "
When I had heard Fair Welcome thus reply,
I begged no more, fearing to anger him.
One ne'er should press his friend immoderately
Nor agonize too much. The earliest stroke
Ne'er cuts the oak in two. One drinks no wine
Until the mash is squeezed within the press.
Long time my suit to gain the wished-for kiss
Had been delayed if Venus, e'er at war
With Chastity, had not supplied her aid.
She is the mother of the God of Love,
Who many a lover helps. In her right hand
She held the ruddy brand that has enflamed
Full many a lady's heart. She was so quaint
And wore such bright attire that she did seem
Goddess or fairy; by her ornaments
Well could one guess she was not any nun.
I'll not take time her clothing to describe —
Her golden headdress and her coverchief,
Her brooch, her girdle — I must not delay;
You know that she most richly was attired,
Though quite devoid of pride. Her way she made
To where Fair Welcome stood, and thus she spoke:
" Why so disdainful do you make yourself
To this man when he begs a savory kiss?
It should not be denied him; for he serves
And loves, as you can see, in loyalty.
His beauty makes him worthy to be loved.
See how agreeable, fair, and genteel —
How sweet and frank he is to everyone;
And, what is better, he is young, not old.
There is no woman — not a high-born dame —
Whom I'd not call a fool him to refuse.
It will not cause his character to change
If you permit the kiss; 'twere good employ
For one who has so sweet a breath as he.
His mouth's not bad, but seems expressly made
For solace and delight; his lips are red;
His teeth are white and clean and undefiled.
It's my opinion that it would be right
To grant the kiss. Trust me, and give it him;
For to delay would be but to waste time. "
Fair Welcome felt the heat of Venus' brand,
And, such its power and hers, immediately
He granted me the boon I asked — a kiss.
Nor did I linger, but at once did take
A sweet and savory lipful from the Rose.
Let no man ask if then I felt delight!
My senses quickly were in perfume drowned
That purged my body from its pain, and soothed
The woes of love that had so bitter been.
Never before was I so much at ease.
Completely cured are all who kiss a flower
So pleasing and agreeable in smell.
The very memory of that caress
Henceforth will keep me from all sorrowing
And fill me with delight and joy, in spite
Of all I've suffered — all the woes I've had —
Since first I kissed the Rose. A little wind
Suffices to disturb the calmest sea;
So easily Love changes, never fixed —
One hour pours oil on waves, another raises storm.