THE TWENTY-FOURTH DAY 
 
“ She having the truth of honour in her, hath made 
him that gracious denial which he is most glad to 
receive.” 
Measure for Measure. 
 
Of course I might have know it was a lie. 
Nathless, I wept all morning and despaired. 
Nothing for any life of earth I cared, 
Neither for heaven :  I railed against the sky,  
Hating the earth, the sea, the witchery 
Of all the universe :  my breast I bared 
And cursed God, hoping lightning ; and I dared 
Not ask my love “ In very truth—you die ?” 
 
I could not bear it longer ; then she spake : 
“ I lied indeed, love, for mine honour’s sake,” 
And I reproached her for her love’s distrust, 
Saying “ I would not so in any wise 
Have lowered love unto the level of lust 
But now—” I hid my thought in tears and sighs. 
 
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