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.
[. . .] A generous man
To give his aid is readier than
His friend to ask. And if so be
He lacketh opportunity
Or means to help, he grieveth more
Than he who needs assistance, for
Love worketh aye in earnest wise,
Though found in many a differing guise.
Roman de la Rose, v. 5009-12, 5033-40
(Trans. by F. S. Ellis)
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.
[. . .] A generous man
To give his aid is readier than
His friend to ask. And if so be
He lacketh opportunity
Or means to help, he grieveth more
Than he who needs assistance, for
Love worketh aye in earnest wise,
Though found in many a differing guise.
Roman de la Rose, v. 5009-12, 5033-40
(Trans. by F. S. Ellis)
