The Perilous Fountain with the Charter of Love

Nor did he leave anything flawed
That might annoy or displease.

¶ At the first side toward the right
Beauty was shown in portraiture,
So noble and of such graceful being
That never was there so fair a creature
In body nor in form.
She greatly ennobled the fountain;
Upon her head, in rich writing,
The letters said: this is Lady Helen.
Helen of Troy, who in medieval and Renaissance literature was the ultimate symbol of physical beauty, though often a cautionary figure.

¶ At the second pillar, Youth was,
Fresh, tender, bright, and polished,
Who spent her time only
In making herself elegant and pretty.
She was very simple, without folly;
Her inscription was simple Youth.
She hated care and melancholy,
The young lady of joy.
original: "lieſſe." This refers to a state of jubilation or carefree happiness, personified here as a companion to Youth.

¶ Portrayed at the third part
Loyalty, wise and gentle,
Who, through long boredom and misfortune,
Did no injury nor offense
To him whom she was bound to please.
She was closely veiled;
original: "enueloppee." This likely refers to Penelope's modesty or the famous shroud she wove to delay her suitors.
Her letters said, without keeping silent:
This is the image of Penelope.
Penelope, the wife of Odysseus in Greek mythology, remained faithful for twenty years during her husband's absence, making her the primary archetype of Loyalty.