nd Woe and Wrath;
Between our spirits stood。
I dangers dared; I hindrance scorned;
I omens did defy:
Whatever menaced; harassed; warned;
I passed impetuous by。
On sped my rainbow; fast as light;
I flew as in a dream;
For glorious rose upon my sight
That child of Shower and Gleam。
Still bright on clouds of suffering dim
Shines that soft; solemn joy;
Nor care I now; how dense and grim
Disasters gather nigh。
I care not in this moment sweet;
Though all I have rushed o’er
Should e on pinion; strong and fleet;
Proclaiming vengeance sore:
Though haughty Hate should strike me down;
Right; bar approach to me;
And grinding Might; with furious frown;
Swear endless enmity。
My love has placed her little hand
With noble faith in mine;
And vowed that wedlock’s sacred band
Our nature shall entwine。
My love has sworn; with sealing kiss;
With me to live—to die;
I have at last my nameless bliss。
As I love—loved am I!”
He rose and came towards me; and I saw his face all kindled; and his full falcon…eye flashing; and tenderness and passion in every lineament。 I quailed momentarily—then I rallied。 Soft scene; daring demonstration; I would not have; and I stood in peril of both: a weapon of defence must be prepared—I whetted my tongue: as he reached me; I asked with asperity; “whom he was going to marry now?”
“That was a strange question to be put by his darling Jane。”
“Indeed! I considered it a very natural and necessary one: he had talked of his future wife dying with him。 What did he mean by such a pagan idea? I had no intention of dying with him—he might depend on that