PROLOGUE
SirWalterVivianallasummer’sdayGavehisbroadlawnsuntilthesetofsunUptothepeople：thitherflockedatnoonHistenants，wifeandchild，andthitherhalfTheneighbouringboroughwiththeirInstituteOfwhichhewasthepatron。IwasthereFromcollege，visitingtheson，——thesonAWaltertoo，——withothersofourset，Fiveothers：weweresevenatVivian—place。
AndmethatmorningWaltershowedthehouse，Greek，setwithbusts：fromvasesinthehallFlowersofallheavens，andlovelierthantheirnames，Grewsidebyside；andonthepavementlayCarvedstonesoftheAbbey—ruininthepark，HugeAmmonites，andthefirstbonesofTime；
AndonthetableseveryclimeandageJumbledtogether；celtsandcalumets，Claymoreandsnowshoe，toysinlava，fansOfsandal，amber，ancientrosaries，Laboriousorientivorysphereinsphere，ThecursedMalayancrease，andbattle—clubsFromtheislesofpalm：andhigheronthewalls，Betwixtthemonstroushornsofelkanddeer，Hisownforefathers’armsandarmourhung。
And’this’hesaid’wasHugh’satAgincourt；
AndthatwasoldSirRalph’satAscalon：
Agoodknighthe!wekeepachronicleWithallabouthim’——whichhebrought，andI
Divedinahoardoftalesthatdealtwithknights，Half—legend，half—historic，countsandkingsWholaidaboutthemattheirwillsanddied；
Andmixtwiththese，alady，onethatarmedHerownfairhead，andsallyingthroughthegate，Hadbeatherfoeswithslaughterfromherwalls。
’Omiracleofwomen，’saidthebook，’Onobleheartwho，beingstrait—besiegedBythiswildkingtoforcehertohiswish，Norbent，norbroke，norshunnedasoldier’sdeath，Butnowwhenallwaslostorseemedaslost——
HerstaturemorethanmortalintheburstOfsunrise，herarmlifted，eyesonfire——
Brakewithablastoftrumpetsfromthegate，And，fallingonthemlikeathunderbolt，Shetrampledsomebeneathherhorses’heels，Andsomewerewhelmedwithmissilesofthewall，Andsomewerepushedwithlancesfromtherock，Andpartweredrownedwithinthewhirlingbrook：
Omiracleofnoblewomanhood!’
Sosangthegallantgloriouschronicle；
And，Iallraptinthis，’Comeout，’hesaid，’TotheAbbey：thereisAuntElizabethAndsisterLiliawiththerest。’Wewent（Ikeptthebookandhadmyfingerinit）
Downthroughthepark：strangewasthesighttome；
Foralltheslopingpasturemurmured，sownWithhappyfacesandwithholiday。
Theremovedthemultitude，athousandheads：
ThepatientleadersoftheirInstituteTaughtthemwithfacts。OnerearedafontofstoneAnddrew，frombuttsofwaterontheslope，Thefountainofthemoment，playing，nowAtwistedsnake，andnowarainofpearls，Orsteep—upspoutwhereonthegildedballDancedlikeawisp：andsomewhatlowerdownAmanwithknobsandwiresandvialsfiredAcannon：EchoansweredinhersleepFromhollowfields：andhereweretelescopesForazureviews；andthereagroupofgirlsIncirclewaited，whomtheelectricshockDislinkedwithshrieksandlaughter：roundthelakeAlittleclock—worksteamerpaddlingpliedAndshookthelilies：perchedabouttheknollsAdozenangrymodelsjettedsteam：
Apettyrailwayran：afire—balloonRosegem—likeupbeforetheduskygrovesAnddroptafairyparachuteandpast：
AndtherethroughtwentypostsoftelegraphTheyflashedasaucymessagetoandfroBetweenthemimicstations；sothatsportWenthandinhandwithScience；otherwherePuresport；aherdofboyswithclamourbowledAndstumpedthewicket；babiesrolledaboutLiketumbledfruitingrass；andmenandmaidsArrangedacountrydance，andflewthroughlightAndshadow，whilethetwanglingviolinStruckupwithSoldier—laddie，andoverheadThebroadambrosialaislesofloftylimeMadenoisewithbeesandbreezefromendtoend。
Strangewasthesightandsmackingofthetime；
Andlongwegazed，butsatiatedatlengthCametotheruins。High—archedandivy—claspt，OffinestGothiclighterthanafire，ThroughonewidechasmoftimeandfrosttheygaveThepark，thecrowd，thehouse；butallwithinTheswardwastrimasanygardenlawn：
AndherewelitonAuntElizabeth，AndLiliawiththerest，andladyfriendsFromneighbourseats：andtherewasRalphhimself，Abrokenstatueproptagainstthewall，Asgayasany。Lilia，wildwithsport，Halfchildhalfwomanasshewas，hadwoundAscarfoforangeroundthestonyhelm，Androbedtheshouldersinarosysilk，ThatmadetheoldwarriorfromhisiviednookGlowlikeasunbeam：nearhistombafeastShone，silver—set；aboutitlaytheguests，Andtherewejoinedthem：thenthemaidenAuntTookthisfairdayfortext，andfromitpreachedAnuniversalcultureforthecrowd，Andallthingsgreat；butwe，unworthier，toldOfcollege：hehadclimbedacrossthespikes，Andhehadsqueezedhimselfbetwixtthebars，AndhehadbreathedtheProctor’sdogs；andoneDiscussedhistutor，roughtocommonmen，Buthoneyingatthewhisperofalord；
AndonetheMaster，asarogueingrainVeneeredwithsanctimonioustheory。
Butwhiletheytalked，abovetheirheadsIsawThefeudalwarriorlady—clad；whichbroughtMybooktomind：andopeningthisIreadOfoldSirRalphapageortwothatrangWithtiltandtourney；thenthetaleofherThatdroveherfoeswithslaughterfromherwalls，AndmuchIpraisedhernobleness，and’Where，’
AskedWalter，pattingLilia’shead（shelayBesidehim）’livestheresuchawomannow？’
QuickansweredLilia’TherearethousandsnowSuchwomen，butconventionbeatsthemdown：
Itisbutbringingup；nomorethanthat：
Youmenhavedoneit：howIhateyouall!
Ah，wereIsomethinggreat!IwishIwereSomemightpoetess，Iwouldshameyouthen，Thatlovetokeepuschildren!OIwishThatIweresomegreatprincess，IwouldbuildFarofffrommenacollegelikeaman’s，AndIwouldteachthemallthatmenaretaught；
Wearetwiceasquick!’AndheresheshookasideThehandthatplayedthepatronwithhercurls。
Andonesaidsmiling’PrettywerethesightIfouroldhallscouldchangetheirsex，andflauntWithprudesforproctors，dowagersfordeans，Andsweetgirl—graduatesintheirgoldenhair。
Ithinktheyshouldnotwearourrustygowns，ButmoveasrichasEmperor—moths，orRalphWhoshinessointhecorner；yetIfear，IfthereweremanyLiliasinthebrood，Howeverdeepyoumightembowerthenest，Someboywouldspyit。’
AtthisupontheswardShetapthertinysilken—sandaledfoot：
’That’syourlightway；butIwouldmakeitdeathForanymalethingbuttopeepatus。’
Petulantshespoke，andatherselfshelaughed；
Arosebudsetwithlittlewilfulthorns，AndsweetasEnglishaircouldmakeher，she：
ButWalterhailedascoreofnamesuponher，And’pettyOgress’，and’ungratefulPuss’，Andsworehelongedatcollege，onlylonged，Allelsewaswell，forshe—society。
Theyboatedandtheycricketed；theytalkedAtwine，inclubs，ofart，ofpolitics；
Theylosttheirweeks；theyvextthesoulsofdeans；
Theyrode；theybetted；madeahundredfriends，Andcaughttheblossomoftheflyingterms，ButmissedthemignonetteofVivian—place，Thelittlehearth—flowerLilia。Thushespoke，Partbanter，partaffection。
’True，’shesaid，’Wedoubtnotthat。Oyes，youmissedusmuch。
I’llstakemyrubyringuponityoudid。’
Shehelditout；andasaparrotturnsUpthroughgiltwiresacraftylovingeye，Andtakesalady’sfingerwithallcare，Andbitesitfortrueheartandnotforharm，SohewithLilia’s。DaintilysheshriekedAndwrungit。’Doubtmywordagain!’hesaid。
’Come，listen!hereisproofthatyouweremissed：
WesevenstayedatChristmasuptoread；
Andtherewetookonetutorastoread：
Thehard—grainedMusesofthecubeandsquareWereoutofseason：neverman，Ithink，Somoulderedinasinecureashe：
Forwhileourcloistersechoedfrostyfeet，Andourlongwalkswerestriptasbareasbrooms，Wedidbuttalkyouover，pledgeyouallInwassail；often，likeasmanygirls——
Sickfortheholliesandtheyewsofhome——
AsmanylittletriflingLilias——playedCharadesandriddlesasatChristmashere，And~what’smythought~and~when~and~where~and~how~，AshereatChristmas。’
Sherememberedthat：
Apleasantgame，shethought：shelikeditmoreThanmagicmusic，forfeits，alltherest。
Butthese——whatkindoftalesdidmentellmen，Shewondered，bythemselves？
Ahalf—disdainPerchedonthepoutedblossomofherlips：
AndWalternoddedatme；’~He~began，Therestwouldfollow，eachinturn；andsoWeforgedasevenfoldstory。Kind？whatkind？
Chimeras，crotchets，Christmassolecisms，Seven—headedmonstersonlymadetokillTimebythefireinwinter。’
’Killhimnow，Thetyrant!killhiminthesummertoo，’
SaidLilia；’Whynotnow？’themaidenAunt。
’Whynotasummer’sasawinter’stale？
Ataleforsummerasbefitsthetime，Andsomethingitshouldbetosuittheplace，Heroic，foraheroliesbeneath，Grave，solemn!’
WalterwarpedhismouthatthisTosomethingsomock—solemn，thatIlaughedAndLiliawokewithsudden—thrillingmirthAnecholikeaghostlywoodpecker，Hidintheruins；tillthemaidenAunt（AlittlesenseofwronghadtouchedherfaceWithcolour）turnedtomewith’Asyouwill；
Heroicifyouwill，orwhatyouwill，Orbeyourselfyouheroifyouwill。’
’TakeLilia，then，forheroine’clamouredhe，’AndmakehersomegreatPrincess，sixfeethigh，Grand，epic，homicidal；andbeyouThePrincetowinher!’
’Thenfollowme，thePrince，’
Ianswered，’eachbeheroinhisturn!
Sevenandyetone，likeshadowsinadream。——
HeroicseemsourPrincessasrequired——
ButsomethingmadetosuitwithTimeandplace，AGothicruinandaGrecianhouse，Atalkofcollegeandofladies’rights，Afeudalknightinsilkenmasquerade，And，yonder，shrieksandstrangeexperimentsForwhichthegoodSirRalphhadburntthemall——
This~were~amedley!weshouldhavehimbackWhotoldthe\"Winter’stale\"todoitforus。
Nomatter：wewillsaywhatevercomes。
Andlettheladiessingus，iftheywill，Fromtimetotime，someballadorasongTogiveusbreathing—space。’
SoIbegan，Andtherestfollowed：andthewomensangBetweentheroughervoicesofthemen，Likelinnetsinthepausesofthewind：
AndhereIgivethestoryandthesongs。
I
AprinceIwas，blue—eyed，andfairinface，Oftemperamorous，asthefirstofMay，Withlengthsofyellowringlet，likeagirl，ForonmycradleshonetheNorthernstar。
Therelivedanancientlegendinourhouse。
Somesorcerer，whomafar—offgrandsireburntBecausehecastnoshadow，hadforetold，Dying，thatnoneofallourbloodshouldknowTheshadowfromthesubstance，andthatoneShouldcometofightwithshadowsandtofall。
Forso，mymothersaid，thestoryran。
And，truly，wakingdreamswere，moreorless，Anoldandstrangeaffectionofthehouse。
Myselftoohadweirdseizures，Heavenknowswhat：
Onasuddeninthemidstofmenandday，AndwhileIwalkedandtalkedasheretofore，Iseemedtomoveamongaworldofghosts，Andfeelmyselftheshadowofadream。
Ourgreatcourt—Galenpoisedhisgilt—headcane，Andpawedhisbeard，andmuttered’catalepsy’。
Mymotherpityingmadeathousandprayers；
Mymotherwasasmildasanysaint，Half—canonizedbyallthatlookedonher，Sograciouswashertactandtenderness：
Butmygoodfatherthoughtakingaking；
Hecarednotfortheaffectionofthehouse；
Heheldhissceptrelikeapedant’swandTolashoffence，andwithlongarmsandhandsReachedout，andpickedoffendersfromthemassForjudgment。
NowitchancedthatIhadbeen，Whilelifewasyetinbudandblade，bethrothedToone，aneighbouringPrincess：shetomeWasproxy—weddedwithabootlesscalfAteightyearsold；andstillfromtimetotimeCamemurmursofherbeautyfromtheSouth，Andofherbrethren，youthsofpuissance；
AndstillIworeherpicturebymyheart，Andonedarktress；andallaroundthembothSweetthoughtswouldswarmasbeesabouttheirqueen。
ButwhenthedaysdrewnighthatIshouldwed，MyfathersentambassadorswithfursAndjewels，gifts，tofetchher：thesebroughtbackApresent，agreatlabouroftheloom；
Andtherewithalananswervagueaswind：
Besides，theysawtheking；hetookthegifts；
Hesaidtherewasacompact；thatwastrue：
Butthenshehadawill；washetoblame？
Andmaidenfancies；lovedtolivealoneAmongherwomen；certain，wouldnotwed。
ThatmorninginthepresenceroomIstoodWithCyrilandwithFlorian，mytwofriends：
Thefirst，agentlemanofbrokenmeans（Hisfather’sfault）butgiventostartsandburstsOfrevel；andthelast，myotherheart，Andalmostmyhalf—self，forstillwemovedTogether，twinnedashorse’searandeye。
Now，whiletheyspake，Isawmyfather’sfaceGrowlongandtroubledlikearisingmoon，Inflamedwithwrath：hestartedonhisfeet，Toretheking’sletter，snoweditdown，andrentThewonderoftheloomthroughwarpandwoofFromskirttoskirt；andatthelastheswareThathewouldsendahundredthousandmen，Andbringherinawhirlwind：thenhechewedThethrice—turnedcudofwrath，andcookedhisspleen，Communingwithhiscaptainsofthewar。
AtlastIspoke。’Myfather，letmego。
ItcannotbebutsomegrosserrorliesInthisreport，thisanswerofaking，Whomallmenrateaskindandhospitable：
Or，maybe，Imyself，mybrideonceseen，Whate’ermygrieftofindherlessthanfame，Mayruethebargainmade。’AndFloriansaid：
’Ihaveasisterattheforeigncourt，WhomovesaboutthePrincess；she，youknow，Whoweddedwithanoblemanfromthence：
He，dyinglately，lefther，asIhear，Theladyofthreecastlesinthatland：
Throughherthismattermightbesiftedclean。’
AndCyrilwhispered：’Takemewithyoutoo。’
Thenlaughing’what，iftheseweirdseizurescomeUponyouinthoselands，andnoonenearTopointyououttheshadowfromthetruth!
Takeme：I’llserveyoubetterinastrait；
Igrateonrustyhingeshere：’but’No!’
Roaredtheroughking，’youshallnot；weourselfWillcrushherprettymaidenfanciesdeadInirongauntlets：breakthecouncilup。’
Butwhenthecouncilbroke，IroseandpastThroughthewildwoodsthathungaboutthetown；
Foundastillplace，andpluckedherlikenessout；
Laiditonflowers，andwatcheditlyingbathedInthegreengleamofdewy—tasselledtrees：
Whatwerethosefancies？whereforebreakhertroth？
Proudlookedthelips：butwhileImeditatedAwindaroseandrushedupontheSouth，Andshookthesongs，thewhispers，andtheshrieksOfthewildwoodstogether；andaVoiceWentwithit，’Follow，follow，thoushaltwin。’
Then，erethesilversickleofthatmonthBecamehergoldenshield，IstolefromcourtWithCyrilandwithFlorian，unperceived，Cat—footedthroughthetownandhalfindreadTohearmyfather’sclamouratourbacksWithHo!fromsomebay—windowshakethenight；
Butallwasquiet：fromthebastionedwallsLikethreadedspiders，onebyone，wedropt，Andflyingreachedthefrontier：thenwecrostToalivelierland；andsobytilthandgrange，Andvines，andblowingbosksofwilderness，Wegainedthemothercitythickwithtowers，Andintheimperialpalacefoundtheking。
HisnamewasGama；crackedandsmallhisvoice，ButblandthesmilethatlikeawrinklingwindOnglassywaterdrovehischeekinlines；
Alittledryoldman，withoutastar，Notlikeaking：threedayshefeastedus，AndonthefourthIspakeofwhywecame，Andmybethrothed。’Youdous，Prince，’hesaid，Airingasnowyhandandsignetgem，’Allhonour。WerememberloveourselvesInoursweetyouth：theredidacompactpassLongsummersback，akindofceremony——
Ithinktheyearinwhichourolivesfailed。
Iwouldyouhadher，Prince，withallmyheart，Withmyfullheart：buttherewerewidowshere，Twowidows，LadyPsyche，LadyBlanche；
Theyfedhertheories，inandoutofplaceMaintainingthatwithequalhusbandryThewomanwereanequaltotheman。
Theyharpedonthis；withthisourbanquetsrang；
Ourdancesbrokeandbuzzedinknotsoftalk；
Nothingbutthis；myveryearswerehotTohearthem：knowledge，somydaughterheld，Wasallinall：theyhadbutbeen，shethought，Aschildren；theymustlosethechild，assumeThewoman：then，Sir，awfulodesshewrote，Tooawful，sure，forwhattheytreatedof，Butallsheisanddoesisawful；odesAboutthislosingofthechild；andrhymesAnddismallyrics，prophesyingchangeBeyondallreason：thesethewomensang；
Andtheythatknowsuchthings——Isoughtbutpeace；
NocriticI——wouldcallthemmasterpieces：
Theymastered~me~。Atlastshebeggedaboon，Acertainsummer—palacewhichIhaveHardbyyourfather’sfrontier：Isaidno，Yetbeinganeasyman，gaveit：andthere，AllwildtofoundanUniversityFormaidens，onthespurshefled；andmoreWeknownot，——onlythis：theyseenomen，NotevenherbrotherArac，northetwinsHerbrethren，thoughtheyloveher，lookuponherAsonakindofparagon；andI
（Pardonmesayingit）weremuchlothtobreedDisputebetwixtmyselfandmine：butsince（AndIconfesswithright）youthinkmeboundInsomesort，Icangiveyouletterstoher；
Andyet，tospeakthetruth，IrateyourchanceAlmostatnakednothing。’
Thustheking；
AndI，thoughnettledthatheseemedtoslurWithgarrulouseaseandoilycourtesiesOurformalcompact，yet，notless（allfretsButchafingmeonfiretofindmybride）
Wentforthagainwithbothmyfriends。WerodeManyalongleaguebacktotheNorth。AtlastFromhills，thatlookedacrossalandofhope，WedroptwitheveningonarustictownSetinagleamingriver’screscent—curve，Closeattheboundaryoftheliberties；
There，enteredanoldhostel，calledminehostTocouncil，pliedhimwithhisrichestwines，Andshowedthelate—writlettersoftheking。
Hewithalonglowsibilation，staredAsblankasdeathinmarble；thenexclaimedAverringitwasclearagainstallrulesForanymantogo：butashisbrainBegantomellow，’Iftheking，’hesaid，’Hadgivenusletters，washeboundtospeak？
Thekingwouldbearhimout；’andatthelast——
Thesummerofthevineinallhisveins——
’Nodoubtthatwemightmakeitworthhiswhile。
Sheoncehadpastthatway；heheardherspeak；
Shescaredhim；life!heneversawthelike；
Shelookedasgrandasdoomsdayandasgrave：
Andhe，hereverencedhisliege—ladythere；
Healwaysmadeapointtopostwithmares；
Hisdaughterandhishousemaidweretheboys：
Theland，heunderstood，formilesaboutWastilledbywomen；alltheswineweresows，Andallthedogs’——
Butwhilehejestedthus，AthoughtflashedthroughmewhichIclothedinact，RememberinghowwethreepresentedMaidOrNymph，orGoddess，athightideoffeast，Inmasqueorpageantatmyfather’scourt。
Wesentminehosttopurchasefemalegear；
Hebroughtit，andhimself，asighttoshakeThemidriffofdespairwithlaughter，holpTolaceusup，till，each，inmaidenplumesWerustled：himwegaveacostlybribeToguerdonsilence，mountedourgoodsteeds，Andboldlyventuredontheliberties。
Wefolloweduptheriveraswerode，AndrodetillmidnightwhenthecollegelightsBegantoglitterfirefly—likeincopseAndlindenalley：thenwepastanarch，Whereonawoman—statuerosewithwingsFromfourwingedhorsesdarkagainstthestars；
Andsomeinscriptionranalongthefront，Butdeepinshadow：furtheronwegainedAlittlestreethalfgardenandhalfhouse；
ButscarcecouldheareachotherspeakfornoiseOfclocksandchimes，likesilverhammersfallingOnsilveranvils，andthesplashandstirOffountainsspoutedupandshoweringdownInmeshesofthejasmineandtherose：
Andallaboutuspealedthenightingale，Raptinhersong，andcarelessofthesnare。
TherestoodabustofPallasforasign，BytwospherelampsblazonedlikeHeavenandEarthWithconstellationandwithcontinent，Aboveanentry：ridingin，wecalled；
Aplump—armedOstleressandastablewenchCamerunningatthecall，andhelpedusdown。
Thensteptabuxomhostessforth，andsailed，Full—blown，beforeusintoroomswhichgaveUponapillaredporch，thebaseslostInlaurel：herweaskedofthatandthis，Andwhoweretutors。’LadyBlanche’shesaid，’AndLadyPsyche。’’Whichwasprettiest，Best—natured？’’LadyPsyche。’’Hersarewe，’
Onevoice，wecried；andIsatdownandwrote，InsuchahandaswhenafieldofcornBowsallitsearsbeforetheroaringEast；
’ThreeladiesoftheNorthernempireprayYourHighnesswouldenrollthemwithyourown，AsLadyPsyche’spupils。’
ThisIsealed：
ThesealwasCupidbentaboveascroll，Ando’erhisheadUranianVenushung，Andraisedtheblindingbandagefromhiseyes：
Igavethelettertobesentwithdawn；
Andthentobed，wherehalfindozeIseemedTofloataboutaglimmeringnight，andwatchAfullseaglazedwithmuffledmoonlight，swellOnsomedarkshorejustseenthatitwasrich。
Asthroughthelandatevewewent，Andpluckedtheripenedears，Wefellout，mywifeandI，OwefelloutIknownotwhy，Andkissedagainwithtears。
AndblessingsonthefallingoutThatallthemoreendears，WhenwefalloutwiththoseweloveAndkissagainwithtears!
ForwhenwecamewhereliesthechildWelostinotheryears，Thereabovethelittlegrave，Othereabovethelittlegrave，Wekissedagainwithtears。
II
AtbreakofdaytheCollegePortresscame：
ShebroughtusAcademicsilks，inhueThelilac，withasilkenhoodtoeach，Andzonedwithgold；andnowwhenthesewereon，Andweasrichasmothsfromduskcocoons，She，curtseyingherobeisance，letusknowThePrincessIdawaited：outwepaced，Ifirst，andfollowingthroughtheporchthatsangAllroundwithlaurel，issuedinacourtCompactoflucidmarbles，bossedwithlengthsOfclassicfrieze，withampleawningsgayBetwixtthepillars，andwithgreaturnsofflowers。
TheMusesandtheGraces，groupedinthrees，Enringedabillowingfountaininthemidst；
AndhereandthereonlatticeedgeslayOrbookorlute；buthastilywepast，Andupaflightofstairsintothehall。
Thereataboardbytomeandpapersat，Withtwotameleopardscouchedbesideherthrone，Allbeautycompassedinafemaleform，ThePrincess；likertotheinhabitantOfsomeclearplanetcloseupontheSun，Thanourman’searth；sucheyeswereinherhead，Andsomuchgraceandpower，breathingdownFromoverherarchedbrows，witheveryturnLivedthroughhertothetipsofherlonghands，Andtoherfeet。Sheroseherheight，andsaid：
’Wegiveyouwelcome：notwithoutredoundOfuseandglorytoyourselvesyecome，Thefirst—fruitsofthestranger：aftertime，Andthatfullvoicewhichcirclesroundthegrave，Willrankyounobly，mingledupwithme。
What!aretheladiesofyourlandsotall？’
’Weofthecourt’saidCyril。’Fromthecourt’
Sheanswered，’thenyeknowthePrince？’andhe：
’Theclimaxofhisage!asthoughtherewereOneroseinalltheworld，yourHighnessthat，Heworshipsyourideal：’shereplied：
’WescarcelythoughtinourownhalltohearThisbarrenverbiage，currentamongmen，Lightcoin，thetinselclinkofcompliment。
YourflightfromoutyourbooklesswildswouldseemAsarguingloveofknowledgeandofpower；
Yourlanguageprovesyoustillthechild。Indeed，Wedreamnotofhim：whenwesetourhandTothisgreatwork，wepurposedwithourselfNevertowed。Youlikewisewilldowell，Ladies，inenteringhere，tocastandflingThetricks，whichmakeustoysofmen，thatso，Somefuturetime，ifsoindeedyouwill，Youmaywiththoseself—styledourlordsallyYourfortunes，justlierbalanced，scalewithscale。’
Atthosehighwords，weconsciousofourselves，Perusedthematting：thenanofficerRoseup，andreadthestatutes，suchasthese：
Notforthreeyearstocorrespondwithhome；
Notforthreeyearstocrosstheliberties；
Notforthreeyearstospeakwithanymen；
Andmanymore，whichhastilysubscribed，Weenteredontheboards：and’Now，’shecried，’Yearegreenwood，seeyewarpnot。Look，ourhall!
Ourstatues!——notofthosethatmendesire，SleekOdalisques，ororaclesofmode，NorstuntedsquawsofWestorEast；butsheThattaughttheSabinehowtorule，andsheThefoundressoftheBabylonianwall，TheCarianArtemisiastronginwar，TheRhodope，thatbuiltthepyramid，Clelia，Cornelia，withthePalmyreneThatfoughtAurelian，andtheRomanbrowsOfAgrippina。Dwellwiththese，andloseConvention，sincetolookonnobleformsMakesnoblethroughthesensuousorganismThatwhichishigher。Oliftyournaturesup：
Embraceouraims：workoutyourfreedom。Girls，Knowledgeisnownomoreafountainsealed：
Drinkdeep，untilthehabitsoftheslave，Thesinsofemptiness，gossipandspiteAndslander，die。BetternotbeatallThannotbenoble。Leaveus：youmaygo：
TodaytheLadyPsychewillharangueThefresharrivalsoftheweekbefore；
Fortheypressinfromalltheprovinces，Andfillthehive。’
Shespoke，andbowingwavedDismissal：backagainwecrostthecourtToLadyPsyche’s：asweenteredin，Theresatalongtheforms，likemorningdovesThatsuntheirmilkybosomsonthethatch，Apatientrangeofpupils；sheherselfErectbehindadeskofsatin—wood，Aquickbrunette，well—moulded，falcon—eyed，Andonthehitherside，orsoshelooked，Oftwentysummers。Atherleft，achild，Inshiningdraperies，headedlikeastar，Hermaidenbabe，adoubleAprilold，Agla颽slept。Wesat：theLadyglanced：
ThenFlorian，butnotlivelierthanthedameThatwhispered’Asses’ears’，amongthesedge，’Mysister。’’Comely，too，byallthat’sfair，’
SaidCyril。’Ohhush，hush!’andshebegan。
’Thisworldwasonceafluidhazeoflight，Tilltowardthecentresetthestarrytides，Andeddiedintosuns，thatwheelingcastTheplanets：thenthemonster，thentheman；
Tattooedorwoaded，winter—cladinskins，Rawfromtheprime，andcrushingdownhismate；
Asyetwefindinbarbarousisles，andhereAmongthelowest。’
ThereuponshetookAbird’s—eye—viewofalltheungraciouspast；
GlancedatthelegendaryAmazonAsemblematicofanoblerage；
AppraisedtheLyciancustom，spokeofthoseThatlayatwinewithLarandLucumo；
RandownthePersian，Grecian，RomanlinesOfempire，andthewoman’sstateineach，Howfarfromjust；tillwarmingwithherthemeShefulminedoutherscornoflawsSaliqueAndlittle—footedChina，touchedonMahometWithmuchcontempt，andcametochivalry：
Whensomerespect，howeverslight，waspaidTowoman，superstitionallawry：
Howeverthencommencedthedawn：abeamHadslantedforward，fallinginalandOfpromise；fruitwouldfollow。Deep，indeed，TheirdebtofthankstoherwhofirsthaddaredToleaptherottenpalesofprejudice，Disyoketheirnecksfromcustom，andassertNonelordlierthanthemselvesbutthatwhichmadeWomanandman。Shehadfounded；theymustbuild。
Heremighttheylearnwhatevermenweretaught：
Letthemnotfear：somesaidtheirheadswereless：
Somemen’sweresmall；nottheytheleastofmen；
Foroftenfinenesscompensatedsize：
Besidesthebrainwaslikethehand，andgrewWithusing；thencetheman’s，ifmorewasmore；
HetookadvantageofhisstrengthtobeFirstinthefield：someageshadbeenlost；
Butwomanripenedearlier，andherlifeWaslonger；andalbeittheirgloriousnamesWerefewer，scatteredstars，yetsinceintruthThehighestisthemeasureoftheman，AndnottheKaffir，Hottentot，Malay，Northosehorn—handedbreakersoftheglebe，ButHomer，Plato，Verulam；evensoWithwoman：andinartsofgovernmentElizabethandothers；artsofwarThepeasantJoanandothers；artsofgraceSapphoandothersviedwithanyman：
And，lastnotleast，shewhohadleftherplace，Andbowedherstatetothem，thattheymightgrowTouseandpoweronthisOasis，laptInthearmsofleisure，sacredfromtheblightOfancientinfluenceandscorn。
AtlastSheroseuponawindofprophecyDilatingonthefuture；’everywhereWhoheadsincouncil，twobesidethehearth，Twointhetangledbusinessoftheworld，Twointheliberalofficesoflife，TwoplummetsdroptforonetosoundtheabyssOfscience，andthesecretsofthemind：
Musician，painter，sculptor，critic，more：
AndeverywherethebroadandbounteousEarthShouldbearadoublegrowthofthoseraresouls，Poets，whosethoughtsenrichthebloodoftheworld。’
Sheendedhere，andbeckonedus：therestParted；and，glowingfull—facedwelcome，sheBegantoaddressus，andwasmovingonIngratulation，tillaswhenaboatTacks，andtheslackenedsailflaps，allhervoiceFalteringandflutteringinherthroat，shecried’Mybrother!’’Well，mysister。’’O，’shesaid，’Whatdoyouhere？andinthisdress？andthese？
Whywhoarethese？awolfwithinthefold!
Apackofwolves!theLordbegracioustome!
Aplot，aplot，aplottoruinall!’
’Noplot，noplot，’heanswered。’Wretchedboy，Howsawyounottheinscriptiononthegate，LETNOMANENTERINONPAINOFDEATH？’
’AndifIhad，’heanswered，’whocouldthinkThesofterAdamsofyourAcademe，Osister，Sirensthoughtheybe，weresuchAschantedontheblanchingbonesofmen？’
’Butyouwillfinditotherwise’shesaid。
’Youjest：illjestingwithedge—tools!myvowBindsmetospeak，andOthatironwill，Thataxelikeedgeunturnable，ourHead，ThePrincess。’’Wellthen，Psyche，takemylife，AndnailmelikeaweaselonagrangeForwarning：burymebesidethegate，Andcutthisepitaphabovemybones；
~Hereliesabrotherbyasisterslain，Allforthecommongoodofwomankind。~’
’Letmedietoo，’saidCyril，’havingseenAndheardtheLadyPsyche。’
Istruckin：
’Albeitsomasked，Madam，Ilovethetruth；
Receiveit；andinmebeholdthePrinceYourcountryman，affiancedyearsagoTotheLadyIda：here，forhereshewas，Andthus（whatotherwaywasleft）Icame。’
’OSir，OPrince，Ihavenocountry；none；
Ifany，this；butnone。Whate’erIwasDisrooted，whatIamisgraftedhere。
Affianced，Sir？love—whispersmaynotbreatheWithinthisvestallimit，andhowshouldI，Whoamnotmine，say，live：thethunderboltHangssilent；butprepare：Ispeak；itfalls。’
’Yetpause，’Isaid：’forthatinscriptionthere，Ithinknomoreofdeadlylurkstherein，Thaninaclapperclappinginagarth，Toscarethefowlfromfruit：ifmoretherebe，Ifmoreandactedon，whatfollows？war；
Yourownworkmarred：forthisyourAcademe，WhicheversidebeVictor，inthehallooWilltoppletothetrumpetdown，andpassWithallfairtheoriesonlymadetogildAstormlesssummer。’’LetthePrincessjudgeOfthat’shesaid：’farewell，Sir——andtoyou。
Ishudderatthesequel，butIgo。’
’AreyouthatLadyPsyche，’Irejoined，’ThefifthinlinefromthatoldFlorian，Yethangshisportraitinmyfather’shall（ThegauntoldBaronwithhisbeetlebrowSun—shadedintheheatofdustyfights）
AshebestrodemyGrandsire，whenhefell，Andallelsefled？wepointtoit，andwesay，TheloyalwarmthofFlorianisnotcold，Butbranchescurrentyetinkindredveins。’
’AreyouthatPsyche，’Florianadded；’sheWithwhomIsangaboutthemorninghills，Flungball，flewkite，andracedthepurplefly，Andsnaredthesquirreloftheglen？areyouThatPsyche，wonttobindmythrobbingbrow，Tosmoothemypillow，mixthefoamingdraughtOffever，tellmepleasanttales，andreadMysicknessdowntohappydreams？areyouThatbrother—sisterPsyche，bothinone？
YouwerethatPsyche，butwhatareyounow？’
’YouarethatPsyche，’saidCyril，’forwhomIwouldbethatforeverwhichIseem，Woman，ifImightsitbesideyourfeet，Andgleanyourscatteredsapience。’
Thenoncemore，’AreyouthatLadyPsyche，’Ibegan，’ThatonherbridalmornbeforeshepastFromallheroldcompanions，whenthekindKissedherpalecheek，declaredthatancienttiesWouldstillbedearbeyondthesouthernhills；
ThatwerethereanyofourpeoplethereInwantorperil，therewasonetohearAndhelpthem？look!forsucharetheseandI。’
’AreyouthatPsyche，’Florianasked，’towhom，Ingentlerdays，yourarrow—woundedfawnCameflyingwhileyousatbesidethewell？
Thecreaturelaidhismuzzleonyourlap，Andsobbed，andyousobbedwithit，andthebloodWassprinkledonyourkirtle，andyouwept。
Thatwasfawn’sblood，notbrother’s，yetyouwept。
Obythebrightheadofmylittleniece，YouwerethatPsyche，andwhatareyounow？’
’YouarethatPsyche，’Cyrilsaidagain，’Themotherofthesweetestlittlemaid，Thatevercrowedforkisses。’
’Outuponit!’
Sheanswered，’peace!andwhyshouldInotplayTheSpartanMotherwithemotion，beTheLuciusJuniusBrutusofmykind？
Himyoucallgreat：heforthecommonweal，ThefadingpoliticsofmortalRome，AsImightslaythischild，ifgoodneedwere，Slewbothhissons：andI，shallI，onwhomThesecularemancipationturnsOfhalfthisworld，beswervedfromrighttosaveAprince，abrother？alittlewillIyield。
Bestso，perchance，forus，andwellforyou。
Ohard，whenloveanddutyclash!IfearMyconsciencewillnotcountmefleckless；yet——
Hearmyconditions：promise（otherwiseYouperish）asyoucame，toslipawayToday，tomorrow，soon：itshallbesaid，Thesewomenweretoobarbarous，wouldnotlearn；
Theyfled，whomighthaveshamedus：promise，all。’
Whatcouldweelse，wepromisedeach；andshe，Likesomewildcreaturenewly—caged，commencedAto—and—fro，sopacingtillshepausedByFlorian；holdingoutherlilyarmsTookbothhishands，andsmilingfaintlysaid：
’Iknewyouatthefirst：thoughyouhavegrownYouscarcehavealtered：IamsadandgladToseeyou，Florian。~I~givetheetodeathMybrother!itwasdutyspoke，notI。
Myneedfulseemingharshness，pardonit。
Ourmother，isshewell？’
WiththatshekissedHisforehead，then，amomentafter，clungAbouthim，andbetwixtthemblossomedupFromoutacommonveinofmemorySweethouseholdtalk，andphrasesofthehearth，Andfarallusion，tillthegraciousdewsBegantoglistenandtofall：andwhileTheystood，sorapt，wegazing，cameavoice，’IbroughtamessageherefromLadyBlanche。’
Backstartedshe，andturningroundwesawTheLadyBlanche’sdaughterwhereshestood，Melissa，withherhanduponthelock，Arosyblonde，andinacollegegown，ThatcladherlikeanAprildaffodilly（Hermother’scolour）withherlipsapart，Andallherthoughtsasfairwithinhereyes，AsbottomagatesseentowaveandfloatIncrystalcurrentsofclearmorningseas。
Sostoodthatsamefaircreatureatthedoor。
ThenLadyPsyche，’Ah——Melissa——you!
Youheardus？’andMelissa，’OpardonmeIheard，Icouldnothelpit，didnotwish：
But，dearestLady，prayyoufearmenot，NorthinkIbearthatheartwithinmybreast，Togivethreegallantgentlementodeath。’
’Itrustyou，’saidtheother，’forwetwoWerealwaysfriends，nonecloser，elmandvine：
Butyetyourmother’sjealoustemperament——
Letnotyourprudence，dearest，drowse，orproveTheDana飀ofaleakyvase，forfearThiswholefoundationruin，andIloseMyhonour，thesetheirlives。’’Ah，fearmenot’
RepliedMelissa；’no——Iwouldnottell，No，notforallAspasia’scleverness，No，nottoanswer，Madam，allthosehardthingsThatShebacametoaskofSolomon。’
’Beitso’theother，’thatwestillmayleadThenewlightup，andculminateinpeace，ForSolomonmaycometoShebayet。’
SaidCyril，’Madam，hethewisestmanFeastedthewomanwisestthen，inhallsOfLebanoniancedar：norshouldyou（Though，Madam，~you~shouldanswer，~we~wouldask）
Lesswelcomefindamongus，ifyoucameAmongus，debtorsforourlivestoyou，Myselfforsomethingmore。’Hesaidnotwhat，But’Thanks，’sheanswered’Go：wehavebeentoolongTogether：keepyourhoodsabouttheface；
Theydosothataffectabstractionhere。
Speaklittle；mixnotwiththerest；andholdYourpromise：all，Itrust，mayyetbewell。’
Weturnedtogo，butCyriltookthechild，Andheldherroundthekneesagainsthiswaist，Andblewtheswollencheekofatrumpeter，WhilePsychewatchedthem，smiling，andthechildPushedherflathandagainsthisfaceandlaughed；
Andthusourconferenceclosed。
AndthenwestrolledForhalfthedaythroughstatelytheatresBenchedcrescent—wise。Ineachwesat，weheardThegraveProfessor。OnthelectureslateThecircleroundedunderfemalehandsWithflawlessdemonstration：followedthenAclassiclecture，richinsentiment，WithscrapsofthunderousEpicliltedoutByviolet—hoodedDoctors，elegiesAndquotedodes，andjewelsfive—words—longThatonthestretchedforefingerofallTimeSparkleforever：thenwediptinallThattreatsofwhatsoeveris，thestate，Thetotalchroniclesofman，themind，Themorals，somethingoftheframe，therock，Thestar，thebird，thefish，theshell，theflower，Electric，chemiclaws，andalltherest，Andwhatsoevercanbetaughtandknown；
Tilllikethreehorsesthathavebrokenfence，Andgluttedallnightlongbreast—deepincorn，Weissuedgorgedwithknowledge，andIspoke：
’Why，Sirs，theydoallthisaswellaswe。’
’Theyhuntoldtrails’saidCyril’verywell；
Butwhendidwomaneveryetinvent？’
’Ungracious!’answeredFlorian；’haveyoulearntNomorefromPsyche’slecture，youthattalkedThetrashthatmademesick，andalmostsad？’
’Otrash’hesaid，’butwithakernelinit。
ShouldInotcallherwise，whomademewise？
Andlearnt？Ilearntmorefromherinaflash，Thaninmybrainpanwereanemptyhull，AndeveryMusetumbledasciencein。
Athousandheartsliefallowinthesehalls，AndroundthesehallsathousandbabylovesFlytwangingheadlessarrowsatthehearts，Whencefollowsmanyavacantpang；butO
Withme，Sir，enteredinthebiggerboy，TheHeadofallthegolden—shaftedfirm，Thelong—limbedladthathadaPsychetoo；
Hecleftmethroughthestomacher；andnowWhatthinkyouofit，Florian？doIchaseThesubstanceortheshadow？willithold？
Ihavenosorcerer’smalisononme，NoghostlyhauntingslikehisHighness。I
FlattermyselfthatalwayseverywhereIknowthesubstancewhenIseeit。Well，Arecastlesshadows？Threeofthem？IssheThesweetproprietressashadow？Ifnot，Shallthosethreecastlespatchmytatteredcoat？
Fordeararethosethreecastlestomywants，AnddearissisterPsychetomyheart，Andtwodearthingsareoneofdoubleworth，AndmuchImighthavesaid，butthatmyzoneUnmannedme：thentheDoctors!OtohearTheDoctors!OtowatchthethirstyplantsImbibing!onceortwiceIthoughttoroar，Tobreakmychain，toshakemymane：butthou，Modulateme，Soulofmincingmimicry!
Makeliquidtrebleofthatbassoon，mythroat；
AbasethoseeyesthateverlovedtomeetStar—sistersansweringundercrescentbrows；
Abatethestride，whichspeaksofman，andlooseAflyingcharmofblusheso’erthischeek，WheretheylikeswallowscomingoutoftimeWillwonderwhytheycame：butharkthebellFordinner，letusgo!’
AndinwestreamedAmongthecolumns，pacingstaidandstillBytwosandthrees，tillallfromendtoendWithbeautieseveryshadeofbrownandfairIncoloursgayerthanthemorningmist，Thelonghallglitteredlikeabedofflowers。
HowmightamannotwanderfromhiswitsPiercedthroughwitheyes，butthatIkeptmineownIntentonher，whoraptingloriousdreams，Thesecond—sightofsomeAstr鎍nage，Satcompassedwithprofessors：they，thewhile，Discussedadoubtandtostittoandfro：
Aclamourthickened，mixtwithinmosttermsOfartandscience：LadyBlanchealoneOffadedformandhaughtiestlineaments，Withallherautumntressesfalselybrown，Shotsidelongdaggersatus，atiger—catInacttospring。
AtlastasolemngraceConcluded，andwesoughtthegardens：thereOnewalkedrecitingbyherself，andoneInthishandheldavolumeastoread，Andsmoothedapettedpeacockdownwiththat：
Sometoalowsongoaredashallopby，OrunderarchesofthemarblebridgeHung，shadowedfromtheheat：somehidandsoughtIntheorangethickets：otherstostaballAbovethefountain—jets，andbackagainWithlaughter：otherslayaboutthelawns，Oftheoldersort，andmurmuredthattheirMayWaspassing：whatwaslearninguntothem？
Theywishedtomarry；theycouldruleahouse；
Menhatedlearnedwomen：butwethreeSatmuffledliketheFates；andoftencameMelissahittingallwesawwithshaftsOfgentlesatire，kintocharity，Thatharmednot：thendaydroopt；thechapelbellsCalledus：weleftthewalks；wemixtwiththoseSixhundredmaidenscladinpurestwhite，Beforetwostreamsoflightfromwalltowall，Whilethegreatorganalmostbursthispipes，Groaningforpower，androllingthroughthecourtAlongmelodiousthundertothesoundOfsolemnpsalms，andsilverlitanies，TheworkofIda，tocalldownfromHeavenAblessingonherlaboursfortheworld。
Sweetandlow，sweetandlow，Windofthewesternsea，Low，low，breatheandblow，Windofthewesternsea!
Overtherollingwatersgo，Comefromthedyingmoon，andblow，Blowhimagaintome；
Whilemylittleone，whilemyprettyone，sleeps。
Sleepandrest，sleepandrest，Fatherwillcometotheesoon；
Rest，rest，onmother’sbreast，Fatherwillcometotheesoon；
Fatherwillcometohisbabeinthenest，SilversailsalloutofthewestUnderthesilvermoon：
Sleep，mylittleone，sleep，myprettyone，sleep。
III
MorninthewakeofthemorningstarCamefurrowingalltheorientintogold。
Werose，andeachbyotherdrestwithcareDescendedtothecourtthatlaythreepartsInshadow，buttheMuses’headsweretouchedAbovethedarknessfromtheirnativeEast。
Therewhilewestoodbesidethefount，andwatchedOrseemedtowatchthedancingbubble，approachedMelissa，tingedwithwanfromlackofsleep，Orgrief，andglowingroundherdewyeyesThecircledIrisofanightoftears；
’Andfly，’shecried，’Ofly，whileyetyoumay!
Mymotherknows：’andwhenIaskedher’how，’
’Myfault’shewept’myfault!andyetnotmine；
Yetmineinpart。Ohearme，pardonme。
Mymother，’tisherwontfromnighttonightTorailatLadyPsycheandherside。
ShesaysthePrincessshouldhavebeentheHead，HerselfandLadyPsychethetwoarms；
Andsoitwasagreedwhenfirsttheycame；
ButLadyPsychewastherighthandnow，Andtheleft，ornot，orseldomused；
Hersmorethanhalfthestudents，allthelove。
Andsolastnightshefelltocanvassyou：
~Her~countrywomen!shedidnotenvyher。
\"Whoeversawsuchwildbarbarians？
Girls？——morelikemen!\"andatthesewordsthesnake，Mysecret，seemedtostirwithinmybreast；
Andoh，Sirs，couldIhelpit，butmycheekBegantoburnandburn，andherlynxeyeTofixandmakemehotter，tillshelaughed：
\"Omarvellouslymodestmaiden，you!
Men!girls，likemen!why，iftheyhadbeenmenYouneednotsetyourthoughtsinrubricthusForwholesalecomment。\"Pardon，IamshamedThatImustneedsrepeatformyexcuseWhatlookssolittlegraceful：\"men\"（forstillMymotherwentrevolvingontheword）
\"Andsotheyare，——verylikemenindeed——
Andwiththatwomanclosetedforhours!\"
Thencamethesedreadfulwordsoutonebyone，\"Why——these——~are~——men：\"Ishuddered：\"andyouknowit。\"
\"Oaskmenothing，\"Isaid：\"Andsheknowstoo，Andsheconcealsit。\"SomymotherclutchedThetruthatonce，butwithnowordfromme；
AndnowthusearlyrisenshegoestoinformThePrincess：LadyPsychewillbecrushed；
Butyoumayyetbesaved，andthereforefly；
Buthealmewithyourpardonereyougo。’
’Whatpardon，sweetMelissa，forablush？’
SaidCyril：’Paleone，blushagain：thanwearThoselilies，betterblushourlivesaway。
YetletusbreatheforonehourmoreinHeaven’
Headded，’lestsomeclassicAngelspeakInscornofus，\"Theymounted，Ganymedes，Totumble，Vulcans，onthesecondmorn。\"
ButIwillmeltthismarbleintowaxToyieldusfartherfurlough：’andhewent。
Melissashookherdoubtfulcurls，andthoughtHescarcewouldprosper。’Tellus，’Florianasked，’Howgrewthisfeudbetwixttherightandleft。’
’Olongago，’shesaid，’betwixtthesetwoDivisionsmouldershidden；’tismymother，Toojealous，oftenfretfulasthewindPentinacrevice：muchIbearwithher：
Ineverknewmyfather，butshesays（Godhelpher）shewasweddedtoafool；
Andstillsherailedagainstthestateofthings。
ShehadthecareofLadyIda’syouth，AndfromtheQueen’sdeceaseshebroughtherup。
ButwhenyoursistercameshewontheheartOfIda：theywerestilltogether，grew（Forsotheysaidthemselves）inosculated；
Consonantchordsthatshivertoonenote；
Onemindinallthings：yetmymotherstillAffirmsyourPsychethievedhertheories，Andangledwiththemforherpupil’slove：
Shecallsherplagiarist；Iknownotwhat：
ButImustgo：Idarenottarry，’andlight，Asfliestheshadowofabird，shefled。
ThenmurmuredFloriangazingafterher，’Anopen—heartedmaiden，trueandpure。
IfIcouldlove，whythiswereshe：howprettyHerblushingwas，andhowsheblushedagain，AsiftoclosewithCyril’srandomwish：
NotlikeyourPrincesscrammedwitherringpride，NorlikepoorPsychewhomshedragsintow。’
’Thecrane，’Isaid，’maychatterofthecrane，Thedovemaymurmurofthedove，butI
Aneagleclanganeagletothesphere。
Myprincess，Omyprincess!truesheerrs，Butinherowngrandway：beingherselfThreetimesmorenoblethanthreescoreofmen，Sheseesherselfineverywomanelse，AndsoshewearshererrorlikeacrownToblindthetruthandme：forher，andher，Hebesaretheytohandambrosia，mixThenectar；but——ahshe——whene’ershemovesTheSamianHer？risesandshespeaksAMemnonsmittenwiththemorningSun。’
Sosayingfromthecourtwepaced，andgainedTheterracerangedalongtheNorthernfront，Andleaningthereonthosebalusters，highAbovetheempurpledchampaign，drankthegaleThatblownaboutthefoliageunderneath，Andsatedwiththeinnumerablerose，Beatbalmuponoureyelids。HithercameCyril，andyawning’Ohardtask，’hecried；
’Nofightingshadowshere!IforcedawayThroughoppositioncrabbedandgnarled。
Bettertoclearprimeforests，heaveandthumpAleagueofstreetinsummersolsticedown，Thanhammeratthisreverendgentlewoman。
Iknockedand，bidden，entered；foundherthereAtpointtomove，andsettledinhereyesThegreenmalignantlightofcomingstorm。
Sir，Iwascourteous，everyphrasewell—oiled，Asman’scouldbe；yetmaiden—meekIprayedConcealment：shedemandedwhowewere，Andwhywecame？Ifablednothingfair，But，yourexamplepilot，toldherall。
Upwentthehushedamazeofhandandeye。
ButwhenIdweltuponyouroldaffiance，SheansweredsharplythatItalkedastray。
Iurgedthefierceinscriptiononthegate，Andourthreelives。True——wehadlimedourselvesWithopeneyes，andwemusttakethechance。
Butsuchextremes，Itoldher，wellmightharmThewoman’scause。\"Notmorethannow，\"shesaid，\"Sopuddledasitiswithfavouritism。\"
Itriedthemother’sheart。ShamemightbefallMelissa，knowing，sayingnotsheknew：
Heranswerwas\"Leavemetodealwiththat。\"
Ispokeofwartocomeandmanydeaths，Andshereplied，herdutywastospeak，Anddutyduty，clearofconsequences。
Igrewdiscouraged，Sir；butsinceIknewNorocksohardbutthatalittlewaveMaybeatadmissioninathousandyears，Irecommenced；\"Decidenotereyoupause。
Ifindyouherebutinthesecondplace，Somesaythethird——theauthenticfoundressyou。
Iofferboldly：wewillseatyouhighest：
Winkatouradvent：helpmyprincetogainHisrightfulbride，andhereIpromiseyouSomepalaceinourland，whereyoushallreignTheheadandheartofallourfairshe—world，AndyourgreatnameflowonwithbroadeningtimeForever。\"Well，shebalancedthisalittle，Andtoldmeshewouldanswerustoday，meantimebemute：thusmuch，normoreIgained。’
Heceasing，cameamessagefromtheHead。
’ThatafternoonthePrincessrodetotakeThedipofcertainstratatotheNorth。
Wouldwegowithher？weshouldfindthelandWorthseeing；andtherivermadeafallOutyonder：’thenshepointedontowhereAdoublehillranuphisfurrowyforksBeyondthethick—leavedplatansofthevale。
Agreedto，this，thedayfledonthroughallItsrangeofdutiestotheappointedhour。
Thensummonedtotheporchwewent。ShestoodAmonghermaidens，higherbythehead，Herbackagainstapillar，herfootononeOfthosetameleopards。KittenlikeherolledAndpawedabouthersandal。Idrewnear；
Igazed。OnasuddenmystrangeseizurecameUponme，theweirdvisionofourhouse：
ThePrincessIdaseemedahollowshow，Hergay—furredcatsapaintedfantasy，Hercollegeandhermaidens，emptymasks，AndImyselftheshadowofadream，Forallthingswereandwerenot。YetIfeltMyheartbeatthickwithpassionandwithawe；
ThenfrommybreasttheinvoluntarysighBrake，asshesmotemewiththelightofeyesThatlentmykneedesiretokneel，andshookMypulses，tilltohorsewegot，andsoWentforthinlongretinuefollowingupTheriverasitnarrowedtothehills。