Alice: An Adultery

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. 59