Thou take the wife, and risk the fate
Eons could hardly culminate
To lose thy soul! Not two but one
Are ye. Together, as the stone,
The oak, the river, or the sea,
Mere elements of mine be ye,
Or both resolve the dreadful life,
And take death’s prize! Take thou the wife,
Thou, who didst know. Her ignorance
Resolve itself upon a chance!
She shall decide the double fate.
Be still, my child, and meditate !
This is an hour in heaven.” He ceased
And I was silent. She released
Her soul from that tremendous birth
Of fear in gentle-minded mirth.
“ Great Sir!” she cried, “the choice is made!
An hour ago I was afraid,
Knew nothing, and loved not. But I
Know now not this you say—to die.
Some doubtful change? An hour ago
I was anymph. I did not know
This change: but now for death or life
I care not. Am I not his wife?
I love him. NowI would not leave
That joy once tasted ; shall not grieve
- If even that should ever cease,
So great a pleasure (and a peace !)
I have therein. And by the sense
Of love’s intuitive influence
K:* I 47