The parlament of foules, by Geoffrey Chaucer. Ed., with introduction, notes, and glossary, by T. R. Lounsbury.

20

INTROD UCTION.

Pyramus and Thisbe, and the mulberries already distained;
And she saw among these the great Hercules
In the lap of Iole, and woeful Biblis
Going piteous, soliciting Caunus.
(63.) XXXVIII.
But, as she saw not Venus, it was told her
(Nor knew she by whom) — " In secreter
Part of the temple stays she delighting.
If thou wantest her, through that door quietly
Enter." Wherefore she, without further demur,
Meek of manner as she was,
Approached thither to enter within,
And do the embassy to her committed.
(64.) XXXVIII.
But there she, at her first coming,
Found Riches guarding the portal -
Who seemed to her much to be reverenced:
And, being by her allowed to enter there,
The place was dark to her at first going.
But afterwards, by staying, a little light
She gained there; and saw her lying naked
On a great bed very fair to see.
(65.) XXXIX.
But she had hair of gold, and shining
Round her head without any tress.
Her face was such that most people
Have in comparison no beauty at all.
The arms, breast, ahd outstanding apples,
Were all seen; and every other part with a
Texture so thin was covered
That it showed forth almost as naked.
(66.) XL.
The neck was fragrant with full a thousand odours.
At one of her sides Bacchus was seated,
At the other Ceres with her savours.
And she in her hands held the apple,
Delighting herself, which, to her sisters
Preferred, she won in the Idean vale.
And, having seen all this, she [the prayer] made her request,
Which was conceded without denial.