Herein the Lover tells how he
Misdoubts his triple enemy,
But hopeth still beneath the brand
To bring them of stern Justice' hand.
[. . .]
Fair friend! fair friend! right good were this
Against an open foe, ywis,
But Evil-Tongue is too occult
And sly for war, and poor result
You'd have with him; whene'er some carl
Or dame he'd injure, with a snarl
Behind their backs he speaks. His base
And traitorous head may God disgrace!
Roman de la Rose, v. 8185-8, 8213-20
(Trans. by F. S. Ellis)
Herein the Lover tells how he
Misdoubts his triple enemy,
But hopeth still beneath the brand
To bring them of stern Justice' hand.
[. . .]
Fair friend! fair friend! right good were this
Against an open foe, ywis,
But Evil-Tongue is too occult
And sly for war, and poor result
You'd have with him; whene'er some carl
Or dame he'd injure, with a snarl
Behind their backs he speaks. His base
And traitorous head may God disgrace!
Roman de la Rose, v. 8185-8, 8213-20
(Trans. by F. S. Ellis)
