Classic Poem

Love had no sooner shown me all his will
Than, ere I said a word, he vanished quite
And left me all amazed to be alone.
My wounds pained me again, and well I knew
That naught could cure them but the rosebud red
On which I'd set my heart and my desire.
For help I looked but to the God of Love,
Thinking that but through him I'd gain my Rose.
The rose trees were preserved from trespassers
By means of hedges that I would have leaped
Most willingly to get the scented bud
But that I feared lest I should be accused,
And rightfully, of trying the Rose to steal.
While thus I hesitated by the hedge,
I saw approach a lusty bachelor
In whom was nothing one might criticize.
It was Fair Welcome, son of Courtesy,
Who, stepping from the path, thus friendly spoke:
" My dear, fair friend, don't let me interfere;
But, if you wish to smell the flowers' perfume,
O'erleap the hedge, and I will guarantee
That no disgrace or ill shall come therefrom,
Provided you yourself from folly guard.
Fear not to ask, if I can give you aid;
For I am at your service, and speak true. "
" Sir, I accept your promise gratefully, "
In answer to Fair Welcome I replied,
" And for this goodness give the thanks deserved.
Your generosity impelled that speech;
Your service I'll return whene'er you please. "
Then through the thorns and briars, of which the hedge
Had quite enough, I made my troubled way,
Fair Welcome going with me in the quest.
I circled round the tree toward the flower
Which seemed to me best perfume to exhale.
I need not tell you how it suited me
That I was able to attain so near
That now I almost touched my budding vermeil Rose.