Whenthemanwantsweight，thewomantakesitup，Andtopplesdownthescales；butthisisfixtAsaretherootsofearthandbaseofall；
Manforthefieldandwomanforthehearth：
Manfortheswordandfortheneedleshe：
Manwiththeheadandwomanwiththeheart：
Mantocommandandwomantoobey；
Allelseconfusion。Lookyou!thegraymareIsilltolivewith，whenherwhinnyshrillsFromtiletoscullery，andhersmallgoodmanShrinksinhisarm—chairwhilethefiresofHellMixwithhishearth：butyou——she’syetacolt——
Take，breakher：stronglygroomedandstraitlycurbedShemightnotrankwiththosedetestableThatletthebantlingscaldathome，andbrawlTheirrightsandwrongslikepotherbsinthestreet。
Theysayshe’scomely；there’sthefairerchance：
~I~likehernonethelessforratingather!
Besides，thewomanwedisnotaswe，Butsufferschangeofframe。AlustybraceOftwinsmayweedherofherfolly。Boy，ThebearingandthetrainingofachildIswoman’swisdom。’
Thusthehardoldking：
Itookmyleave，foritwasnearlynoon：
IporeduponherletterwhichIheld，Andonthelittleclause’takenothislife：’
Imusedonthatwildmorninginthewoods，Andonthe’Follow，follow，thoushaltwin：’
Ithoughtonallthewrathfulkinghadsaid，Andhowthestrangebetrothmentwastoend：
ThenIrememberedthatburntsorcerer’scurseThatoneshouldfightwithshadowsandshouldfall；
Andlikeaflashtheweirdaffectioncame：
King，campandcollegeturnedtohollowshows；
Iseemedtomoveinoldmemorialtilts，Anddoingbattlewithforgottenghosts，Todreammyselftheshadowofadream：
AndereIwokeitwasthepointofnoon，Thelistswereready。EmpanopliedandplumedWeenteredin，andwaited，fiftythereOpposedtofifty，tillthetrumpetblaredAtthebarrierlikeawildhorninalandOfechoes，andamoment，andoncemoreThetrumpet，andagain：atwhichthestormOfgallopinghoofsbareontheridgeofspearsAndridersfronttofront，untiltheyclosedInconflictwiththecrashofshiveringpoints，Andthunder。Yetitseemedadream，IdreamedOffighting。Onhishaunchesrosethesteed，Andintofierysplintersleaptthelance，Andoutofstrickenhelmetssprangthefire。
Partsatlikerocks：partreeledbutkepttheirseats：
Partrolledontheearthandroseagainanddrew：
Partstumbledmixtwithflounderinghorses。DownFromthosetwobulksatArac’sside，anddownFromArac’sarm，asfromagiant’sflail，Thelargeblowsrained，ashereandeverywhereHerodethemellay，lordoftheringinglists，Andalltheplain，——brand，mace，andshaft，andshield——
Shocked，likeaniron—clanginganvilbangedWithhammers；tillIthought，canthisbeheFromGama’sdwarfishloins？ifthisbeso，Themothermakesusmost——andinmydreamIglancedaside，andsawthepalace—frontAlivewithflutteringscarfsandladies’eyes，Andhighest，amongthestatues，statuelike，BetweenacymballedMiriamandaJael，WithPsyche’sbabe，wasIdawatchingus，Asinglebandofgoldaboutherhair，LikeaSaint’sgloryupinheaven：butsheNosaint——inexorable——notenderness——
Toohard，toocruel：yetsheseesmefight，Yea，letherseemefall!andwiththatIdraveAmongthethickestandboredownaPrince，AndCyril，one。Yea，letmemakemydreamAllthatIwould。Butthatlarge—mouldedman，Hisvisageallagrinasatawake，Madeatmethroughthepress，and，staggeringbackWithstrokeonstrokethehorseandhorseman，cameAscomesapillarofelectriccloud，Flayingtheroofsandsuckingupthedrains，AndshadowingdownthechampaigntillitstrikesOnawood，andtakes，andbreaks，andcracks，andsplits，AndtwiststhegrainwithsucharoarthatEarthReels，andtheherdsmencry；foreverythingGamewaybeforehim：onlyFlorian，heThatlovedmecloserthanhisownrighteye，Thrustinbetween；butAracrodehimdown：
AndCyrilseeingit，pushedagainstthePrince，WithPsyche’scolourroundhishelmet，tough，Strong，supple，sinew—corded，aptatarms；
Buttougher，heavier，stronger，hethatsmoteAndthrewhim：lastIspurred；IfeltmyveinsStretchwithfierceheat；amomenthandtohand，Andswordtosword，andhorsetohorsewehung，TillIstruckoutandshouted；thebladeglanced，Ididbutshearafeather，anddreamandtruthFlowedfromme；darknessclosedme；andIfell。
Hometheybroughtherwarriordead：
Shenorswooned，norutteredcry：
Allhermaidens，watching，said，’Shemustweeporshewilldie。’
Thentheypraisedhim，softandlow，Calledhimworthytobeloved，Truestfriendandnoblestfoe；
Yetsheneitherspokenormoved。
Stoleamaidenfromherplace，Lightlytothewarriorstept，Tooktheface—clothfromtheface；
Yetsheneithermovednorwept。
Roseanurseofninetyyears，Sethischilduponherknee——
Likesummertempestcamehertears——
’Sweetmychild，Iliveforthee。’
VI
Mydreamhadneverdiedorlivedagain。
AsinsomemysticmiddlestateIlay；
SeeingIsawnot，hearingnotIheard：
Though，ifIsawnot，yettheytoldmeallSooftenthatIspeakashavingseen。
Forsoitseemed，orsotheysaidtome，Thatallthingsgrewmoretragicandmorestrange；
ThatwhenoursidewasvanquishedandmycauseForeverlost，therewentupagreatcry，ThePrinceisslain。MyfatherheardandranInonthelists，andthereunlacedmycasqueAndgrovelledonmybody，andafterhimCamePsyche，sorrowingforAgla颽。
ButhighuponthepalaceIdastoodWithPsyche’sbabeinarm：thereontheroofsLikethatgreatdameofLapidothshesang。
’Ourenemieshavefallen，havefallen：theseed，Thelittleseedtheylaughedatinthedark，Hasrisenandcleftthesoil，andgrownabulkOfspanlessgirth，thatlaysoneverysideAthousandarmsandrushestotheSun。
’Ourenemieshavefallen，havefallen：theycame；
Theleaveswerewetwithwomen’stears：theyheardAnoiseofsongstheywouldnotunderstand：
Theymarkeditwiththeredcrosstothefall，Andwouldhavestrownit，andarefallenthemselves。
’Ourenemieshavefallen，havefallen：theycame，Thewoodmenwiththeiraxes：lothetree!
Butwewillmakeitfaggotsforthehearth，Andshapeitplankandbeamforroofandfloor，Andboatsandbridgesfortheuseofmen。
’Ourenemieshavefallen，havefallen：theystruck；
Withtheirownblowstheyhurtthemselves，norknewTheredweltanironnatureinthegrain：
Theglitteringaxewasbrokenintheirarms，Theirarmswereshatteredtotheshoulderblade。
’Ourenemieshavefallen，butthisshallgrowAnightofSummerfromtheheat，abreadthOfAutumn，droppingfruitsofpower：androlledWithmusicinthegrowingbreezeofTime，Thetopsshallstrikefromstartostar，thefangsShallmovethestonybasesoftheworld。
’Andnow，Omaids，beholdoursanctuaryIsviolate，ourlawsbroken：fearwenotTobreakthemmoreintheirbehoof，whosearmsChampionedourcauseandwonitwithadayBlanchedinourannals，andperpetualfeast，WhendamesandheroinesofthegoldenyearShallstripahundredhollowsbareofSpring，TorainanAprilofovationroundTheirstatues，bornealoft，thethree：butcome，Wewillbeliberal，sinceourrightsarewon。
Letthemnotlieinthetentswithcoarsemankind，Illnurses；butdescend，andproffertheseThebrethrenofourbloodandcause，thatthereLiebruisedandmaimed，thetenderministriesOffemalehandsandhospitality。’
Shespoke，andwiththebabeyetinherarms，Descending，burstthegreatbronzevalves，andledAhundredmaidsintrainacrossthePark。
Somecowled，andsomebare—headed，ontheycame，Theirfeetinflowers，herloveliest：bythemwentTheenamouredairsighing，andontheircurlsFromthehightreetheblossomwaveringfell，AndoverthemthetremulousislesoflightSlided，theymovingundershade：butBlancheAtdistancefollowed：sotheycame：anonThroughopenfieldintotheliststheywoundTimorously；andastheleaderoftheherdThatholdsastatelyfretworktotheSun，Andfollowedupbyahundredairydoes，Stepswithatenderfoot，lightasonair，Thelovely，lordlycreaturefloatedonTowhereherwoundedbrethrenlay；therestayed；
Kneltononeknee，——thechildonone，——andprestTheirhands，andcalledthemdeardeliverers，Andhappywarriors，andimmortalnames，Andsaid’Youshallnotlieinthetentsbuthere，Andnursedbythoseforwhomyoufought，andservedWithfemalehandsandhospitality。’
Then，whethermovedbythis，orwasitchance，Shepastmyway。UpstartedfrommysideTheoldlion，glaringwithhiswhelplesseye，Silent；butwhenshesawmelyingstark，Dishelmedandmute，andmotionlesslypale，Coldeventoher，shesighed；andwhenshesawThehaggardfather’sfaceandreverendbeardOfgrislytwine，alldabbledwiththebloodOfhisownson，shuddered，atwitchofpainTorturedhermouth，ando’erherforeheadpastAshadow，andherhuechanged，andshesaid：
’Hesavedmylife：mybrotherslewhimforit。’
Nomore：atwhichthekinginbitterscornDrewfrommyneckthepaintingandthetress，Andheldthemup：shesawthem，andadayRosefromthedistanceonhermemory，WhenthegoodQueen，hermother，shorethetressWithkisses，erethedaysofLadyBlanche：
Andthenoncemoreshelookedatmypaleface：
TillunderstandingallthefoolishworkOfFancy，andthebittercloseofall，Herironwillwasbrokeninhermind；
Hernobleheartwasmolteninherbreast；
Shebowed，shesetthechildontheearth；shelaidAfeelingfingeronmybrows，andpresently’OSire，’shesaid，’helives：heisnotdead：
OletmehavehimwithmybrethrenhereInourownpalace：wewilltendonhimLikeoneofthese；ifso，byanymeans，Tolightenthisgreatclogofthanks，thatmakeOurprogressfaltertothewoman’sgoal。’
Shesaid：butatthehappyword’helives’
Myfatherstooped，re—fatheredo’ermywounds。
Sothosetwofoesabovemyfallenlife，WithbrowtobrowlikenightandeveningmixtTheirdarkandgray，whilePsycheeverstoleAlittlenearer，tillthebabethatbyus，Half—laptinglowinggauzeandgoldenbrede，Laylikeanew—fallenmeteoronthegrass，Uncaredfor，spieditsmotherandbeganAblindandbabblinglaughter，andtodanceItsbody，andreachitsfatlinginnocentarmsAndlazylingeringfingers。ShetheappealBrookednot，butclamouringout’Mine——mine——notyours，Itisnotyours，butmine：givemethechild’
Ceasedallontremble：piteouswasthecry：
Sostoodtheunhappymotheropen—mouthed，Andturnedeachfaceherway：wanwashercheekWithhollowwatch，herbloomingmantletorn，Redgriefandmother’shungerinhereye，Anddowndead—heavysankhercurls，andhalfThesacredmother’sbosom，panting，burstThelacestowardherbabe；butshenorcaredNorknewit，clamouringon，tillIdaheard，Lookedup，andrisingslowlyfromme，stoodErectandsilent，strikingwithherglanceThemother，me，thechild；buthethatlayBesideus，Cyril，batteredashewas，Trailedhimselfupononeknee：thenhedrewHerrobetomeethislips，anddownshelookedAtthearmedmansideways，pityingasitseemed，Orself—involved；butwhenshelearnthisface，Rememberinghisill—omenedsong，aroseOncemorethroughallherheight，ando’erhimgrewTallasafigurelengthenedonthesandWhenthetideebbsinsunshine，andhesaid：
’Ofairandstrongandterrible!LionessThatwithyourlonglocksplaytheLion’smane!
ButLoveandNature，thesearetwomoreterribleAndstronger。See，yourfootisonournecks，Wevanquished，youtheVictorofyourwill。
Whatwouldyoumore？Giveherthechild!remainOrbedinyourisolation：heisdead，Orallasdead：henceforthweletyoube：
Winyoutheheartsofwomen；andbewareLest，whereyouseekthecommonloveofthese，ThecommonhatewiththerevolvingwheelShoulddragyoudown，andsomegreatNemesisBreakfromadarkenedfuture，crownedwithfire，Andtreadyououtforever：buthowso’erFixedinyourself，neverinyourownarmsToholdyourown，denynotherstoher，Giveherthechild!Oif，Isay，youkeepOnepulsethatbeatstruewoman，ifyoulovedThebreastthatfedorarmthatdandledyou，Orownoneportofsensenotflinttoprayer，Giveherthechild!orifyouscorntolayit，Yourself，inhandssolatelyclasptwithyours，Orspeaktoher，yourdearest，heronefault，Thetenderness，notyours，thatcouldnotkill，Give~me~it：~I~willgiveither。
Hesaid：
AtfirsthereyewithslowdilationrolledDryflame，shelistening；aftersankandsankAnd，intomournfultwilightmellowing，dweltFullonthechild；shetookit：’Prettybud!
Lilyofthevale!halfopenedbellofthewoods!
Solecomfortofmydarkhour，whenaworldOftraitorousfriendandbrokensystemmadeNopurpleinthedistance，mystery，Pledgeofalovenottobemine，farewell；
Thesemenareharduponusasofold，Wetwomustpart：andyethowfainwasI
Todreamthycauseembracedinmine，tothinkImightbesomethingtothee，whenIfeltThyhelplesswarmthaboutmybarrenbreastInthedeadprime：butmaythymotherproveAstruetotheeasfalse，false，falsetome!
And，ifthouneedsmustneedsbeartheyoke，IwishitGentleasfreedom’——hereshekissedit：then——
’Allgoodgowiththee!takeitSir，’andsoLaidthesoftbabeinhishard—mail鑔hands，Whoturnedhalf—roundtoPsycheasshesprangTomeetit，withaneyethatswuminthanks；
Thenfeltitsoundandwholefromheadtofoot，Andhuggedandneverhuggeditcloseenough，Andinherhungermouthedandmumbledit，Andhidherbosomwithit；afterthatPutonmorecalmandaddedsuppliantly：
’Wetwowerefriends：IgotomineownlandForever：findsomeother：asformeIscarceamfitforyourgreatplans：yetspeaktome，Sayonesoftwordandletmepartforgiven。’
ButIdaspokenot，raptuponthechild。
ThenArac。’Ida——’sdeath!youblametheman；
Youwrongyourselves——thewomanissohardUponthewoman。Come，agracetome!
Iamyourwarrior：IandminehavefoughtYourbattle：kissher；takeherhand，sheweeps：
’Sdeath!Iwouldsoonerfightthriceo’erthanseeit。’
ButIdaspokenot，gazingontheground，Andreddeninginthefurrowsofhischin，Andmovedbeyondhiscustom，Gamasaid：
’I’veheardthatthereisironintheblood，AndIbelieveit。Notoneword？notone？
Whencedrewyouthissteeltemper？notfromme，Notfromyourmother，nowasaintwithsaints。
Shesaidyouhadaheart——Iheardhersayit——
\"OurIdahasaheart\"——justereshedied——
\"ButseethatsomeonwithauthorityBenearherstill\"andI——Isoughtforone——
Allpeoplesaidshehadauthority——
TheLadyBlanche：muchprofit!Notoneword；
No!thoughyourfathersues：seehowyoustandStiffasLot’swife，andallthegoodknightsmaimed，Itrustthatthereisnoonehurttodeath，Forourwildwhim：andwasitthenforthis，Wasitforthiswegaveourpalaceup，Wherewewithdrewfromsummerheatsandstate，Andhadourwineandchessbeneaththeplanes，Andmanyapleasanthourwithherthat’sgone，Ereyouwereborntovexus？Isitkind？
SpeaktoherIsay：isthisnotsheofwhom，Whenfirstshecame，allflushedyousaidtomeNowhadyougotafriendofyourownage，Nowcouldyoushareyourthought；nowshouldmenseeTwowomenfasterweldedinoneloveThanpairsofwedlock；sheyouwalkedwith，sheYoutalkedwith，wholenightslong，upinthetower，Ofsineandarc，sphero飀andazimuth，Andrightascension，Heavenknowswhat；andnowAword，butone，onelittlekindlyword，Notonetospareher：outuponyou，flint!
Youlovenorher，norme，norany；nay，Youshameyourmother’sjudgmenttoo。Notone？
Youwillnot？well——nohearthaveyou，orsuchAsfancieslikethevermininanutHavefrettedalltodustandbitterness。’
Sosaidthesmallkingmovedbeyondhiswont。
ButIdastoodnorspoke，drainedofherforceBymanyavaryinginfluenceandsolong。
Downthroughherlimbsadroopinglanguorwept：
Herheadalittlebent；andonhermouthAdoubtfulsmiledweltlikeacloudedmoonInastillwater：thenbrakeoutmysire，Liftedhisgrimheadfrommywounds。’Oyou，Woman，whomwethoughtwomanevennow，Andwerehalffooledtoletyoutendourson，Becausehemighthavewishedit——butwesee，Theaccompliceofyourmadnessunforgiven，Andthinkthatyoumightmixhisdraughtwithdeath，Whenyourskieschangeagain：therougherhandIssafer：ontothetents：takeupthePrince。’
Herose，andwhileeachearwasprickedtoattendAtempest，throughthecloudthatdimmedherbrokeAgenialwarmthandlightoncemore，andshoneThroughglitteringdropsonhersadfriend。
’Comehither。
OPsyche，’shecriedout，’embraceme，come，QuickwhileImelt；makereconcilementsureWithonethatcannotkeephermindanhour：
Cometothehollowheartheyslanderso!
Kissandbefriends，likechildrenbeingchid!
~I~seemnomore：~I~wantforgivenesstoo：
Ishouldhavehadtodowithnonebutmaids，Thathavenolinkswithmen。Ahfalsebutdear，Deartraitor，toomuchloved，why？——why？——Yetsee，BeforethesekingsweembraceyouyetoncemoreWithallforgiveness，alloblivion，Andtrust，notlove，youless。
Andnow，Osire，Grantmeyourson，tonurse，towaituponhim，Likemineownbrother。Formydebttohim，Thisnightmareweightofgratitude，Iknowit；
Tauntmenomore：yourselfandyoursshallhaveFreeadit；wewillscatterallourmaidsTillhappiertimeseachtoherproperhearth：
Whatusetokeepthemhere——now？grantmyprayer。
Help，father，brother，help；speaktotheking：
ThawthismalenaturetosometouchofthatWhichkillsmewithmyself，anddragsmedownFrommyfixtheighttomobmeupwithallThesoftandmilkyrabbleofwomankind，Poorweaklingevenastheyare。’
PassionatetearsFollowed：thekingrepliednot：Cyrilsaid：
’Yourbrother，Lady，——Florian，——askforhimOfyourgreathead——forheiswoundedtoo——
Thatyoumaytenduponhimwiththeprince。’
’Ayso，’saidIdawithabittersmile，’Ourlawsarebroken：lethimentertoo。’
ThenViolet，shethatsangthemournfulsong，Andhadacousintumbledontheplain，Petitionedtooforhim。’Ayso，’shesaid，’Istaggerinthestream：IcannotkeepMyheartaneddyfromthebrawlinghour：
Webreakourlawswithease，butletitbe。’
’Ayso？’saidBlanche：’AmazedamItoherYourHighness：butyourHighnessbreakswitheaseThelawyourHighnessdidnotmake：’twasI。
Ihadbeenweddedwife，Iknewmankind，Andblockedthemout；butthesemencametowooYourHighness——verilyIthinktowin。’
Soshe，andturnedaskanceawintryeye：
ButIdawithavoice，thatlikeabellTolledbyanearthquakeinatremblingtower，Rangruin，answeredfullofgriefandscorn。
’Flingourdoorswide!all，all，notone，butall，Notonlyhe，butbymymother’ssoul，Whatevermanlieswounded，friendorfoe，Shallenter，ifhewill。Letourgirlsflit，Tillthestormdie!buthadyoustoodbyus，TheroarthatbreaksthePharosfromhisbaseHadleftusrock。Shefainwouldstingustoo，Butshallnot。Pass，andminglewithyourlikes。
Webrooknofurtherinsultbutaregone。’
Sheturned；theverynapeofherwhiteneckWasrosedwithindignation：butthePrinceHerbrothercame；thekingherfathercharmedHerwoundedsoulwithwords：nordidmineownRefuseherproffer，lastlygavehishand。
Thenustheyliftedup，deadweights，andbareStraighttothedoors：tothemthedoorsgavewayGroaning，andintheVestalentryshriekedThevirginmarbleunderironheels：
Andontheymovedandgainedthehall，andthereRested：butgreatthecrushwas，andeachbase，Toleftandright，ofthosetallcolumnsdrownedInsilkenfluctuationandtheswarmOffemalewhisperers：atthefurtherendWasIdabythethrone，thetwogreatcatsClosebyher，likesupportersonashield，Bow—backedwithfear：butinthecentrestoodThecommonmenwithrollingeyes；amazedTheyglareduponthewomen，andaghastThewomenstaredatthese，allsilent，saveWhenarmourclashedorjingled，whiletheday，Descending，struckathwartthehall，andshotAflyingsplendouroutofbrassandsteel，Thato’erthestatuesleaptfromheadtohead，NowfiredanangryPallasonthehelm，NowsetawrathfulDian’smoononflame，Andnowandthenanechostartedup，Andshudderingfledfromroomtoroom，anddiedOffrightinfarapartments。
ThenthevoiceOfIdasounded，issuingordinance：
Andmetheyboreupthebroadstairs，andthroughThelong—laidgalleriespastahundreddoorsToonedeepchambershutfromsound，anddueTolanguidlimbsandsickness；leftmeinit；
Andothersotherwheretheylaid；andallThatafternoonasoundaroseofhoofAndchariot，manyamaidenpassinghomeTillhappiertimes；butsomewereleftofthoseHeldsagest，andthegreatlordsoutandin，Fromthosetwohoststhatlaybesidethewalls，Walkedattheirwill，andeverythingwaschanged。
Askmenomore：themoonmaydrawthesea；
ThecloudmaystoopfromheavenandtaketheshapeWithfoldtofold，ofmountainorofcape；
ButOtoofond，whenhaveIansweredthee？
Askmenomore。
Askmenomore：whatanswershouldIgive？
Ilovenothollowcheekorfadedeye：
Yet，Omyfriend，Iwillnothavetheedie!
Askmenomore，lestIshouldbidtheelive；
Askmenomore。
Askmenomore：thyfateandminearesealed：
Istroveagainstthestreamandallinvain：
Letthegreatrivertakemetothemain：
Nomore，dearlove，foratatouchIyield；
Askmenomore。
VII
Sowastheirsanctuaryviolated，Sotheirfaircollegeturnedtohospital；
Atfirstwithallconfusion：byandbySweetorderlivedagainwithotherlaws：
Akindlierinfluencereigned；andeverywhereLowvoiceswiththeministeringhandHungroundthesick：themaidenscame，theytalked，Theysang，theyread：tillshenotfairbeganTogatherlight，andshethatwas，becameHerformerbeautytreble；andtoandfroWithbooks，withflowers，withAngeloffices，Likecreaturesnativeuntograciousact，Andintheirownclearelement，theymoved。
ButsadnessonthesoulofIdafell，Andhatredofherweakness，blentwithshame。
Oldstudiesfailed；seldomshespoke：butoftClombtotheroofs，andgazedaloneforhoursOnthatdisastrousleaguer，swarmsofmenDarkeningherfemalefield：voidwasheruse，AndsheasonethatclimbsapeaktogazeO’erlandandmain，andseesagreatblackcloudDraginwardfromthedeeps，awallofnight，Blotouttheslopeofseafromvergetoshore，Andsucktheblindingsplendourfromthesand，AndquenchinglakebylakeandtarnbytarnExpungetheworld：sofaredshegazingthere；
Soblackenedallherworldinsecret，blankAndwasteitseemedandvain；tilldownshecame，Andfoundfairpeaceoncemoreamongthesick。
Andtwilightdawned；andmornbymornthelarkShotupandshrilledinflickeringgyres，butI
Laysilentinthemuffledcageoflife：
Andtwilightgloomed；andbroader—grownthebowersDrewthegreatnightintothemselves，andHeaven，StarafterStar，aroseandfell；butI，Deeperthanthoseweirddoubtscouldreachme，layQuitesunderedfromthemovingUniverse，Norknewwhateyewasonme，northehandThatnursedme，morethaninfantsintheirsleep。
ButPsychetendedFlorian：withheroft，Melissacame；forBlanchehadgone，butleftHerchildamongus，willingsheshouldkeepCourt—favour：hereandtherethesmallbrighthead，Alightofhealing，glancedaboutthecouch，OrthroughthepartedsilksthetenderfacePeeped，shininginuponthewoundedmanWithblushandsmile，amedicineinthemselvesTowilethelengthfromlanguoroushours，anddrawThestingfrompain；norseemeditstrangethatsoonHeroseupwhole，andthosefaircharitiesJoinedatherside；norstrangerseemedthathearsSogentle，soemployed，shouldcloseinlove，ThanwhentwodewdropsonthepetalsshakeTothesamesweetair，andtrembledeeperdown，Andslipatonceall—fragrantintoone。
LessprosperouslythesecondsuitobtainedAtfirstwithPsyche。NotthoughBlanchehadswornThatafterthatdarknightamongthefieldsSheneedsmustwedhimforherowngoodname；
Notthoughhebuiltuponthebaberestored；
Northoughshelikedhim，yieldedshe，butfearedToincensetheHeadoncemore；tillonadayWhenCyrilpleaded，IdacamebehindSeenbutofPsyche：onherfootshehungAmoment，andsheheard，atwhichherfaceAlittleflushed，andshepaston；buteachAssumedfromthenceahalf—consentinvolvedInstillness，plightedtroth，andwereatpeace。
Noronlythese：LoveinthesacredhallsHeldcarnivalatwill，andflyingstruckWithshowersofrandomsweetonmaidandman。
Nordidherfatherceasetopressmyclaim，Nordidmineown，nowreconciled；noryetDidthosetwin—brothers，risenagainandwhole；
NorArac，satiatewithhisvictory。
ButIlaystill，andwithmeoftshesat：
Thencameachange；forsometimesIwouldcatchHerhandinwilddelirium，gripeithard，Andflingitlikeaviperoff，andshriek’YouarenotIda；’claspitonceagain，AndcallherIda，thoughIknewhernot，Andcallhersweet，asifinirony，Andcallherhardandcoldwhichseemedatruth：
AndstillshefearedthatIshouldlosemymind，AndoftenshebelievedthatIshoulddie：
Tilloutoflongfrustrationofhercare，Andpensivetendanceintheall—wearynoons，Andwatchesinthedead，thedark，whenclocksThrobbedthunderthroughthepalacefloors，orcalledOnflyingTimefromalltheirsilvertongues——
Andoutofmemoriesofherkindlierdays，Andsidelongglancesatmyfather’sgrief，Andatthehappyloversheartinheart——
Andoutofhauntingsofmyspokenlove，Andlonelylisteningstomymuttereddream，Andoftenfeelingofthehelplesshands，Andwordlessbroodingsonthewastedcheek——
Fromallacloserinterestflourishedup，Tendernesstouchbytouch，andlast，tothese，Love，likeanAlpineharebellhungwithtearsBysomecoldmorningglacier；frailatfirstAndfeeble，allunconsciousofitself，Butsuchasgatheredcolourdaybyday。
LastIwokesane，butwell—nighclosetodeathForweakness：itwasevening：silentlightSleptonthepaintedwalls，whereinwerewroughtTwogranddesigns；forononesidearoseThewomenupinwildrevolt，andstormedAttheOppianLaw。Titanicshapes，theycrammedTheforum，andhalf—crushedamongtherestAdwarf—likeCatocowered。OntheothersideHortensiaspokeagainstthetax；behind，Atrainofdames：byaxeandeaglesat，WithalltheirforeheadsdrawninRomanscowls，Andhalfthewolf’s—milkcurdledintheirveins，Thefiercetriumvirs；andbeforethempausedHortensiapleading：angrywasherface。
Isawtheforms：IknewnotwhereIwas：
Theydidbutlooklikehollowshows；normoreSweetIda：palmtopalmshesat：thedewDweltinhereyes，andsofterallhershapeAndrounderseemed：Imoved：Isighed：atouchCameroundmywrist，andtearsuponmyhand：
Thenallforlanguorandself—pityranMinedownmyface，andwithwhatlifeIhad，Andlikeaflowerthatcannotallunfold，Sodrencheditiswithtempest，tothesun，Yet，asitmay，turnstowardhim，IonherFixtmyfainteyes，andutteredwhisperingly：
’Ifyoube，whatIthinkyou，somesweetdream，Iwouldbutaskyoutofulfilyourself：
ButifyoubethatIdawhomIknew，Iaskyounothing：only，ifadream，Sweetdream，beperfect。Ishalldietonight。
StoopdownandseemtokissmeereIdie。’
Icouldnomore，butlaylikeoneintrance，Thathearshisburialtalkedofbyhisfriends，Andcannotspeak，normove，normakeonesign，Butliesanddreadshisdoom。Sheturned；shepaused；
Shestooped；andoutoflanguorleaptacry；
LeaptfieryPassionfromthebrinksofdeath；
AndIbelievedthatinthelivingworldMyspiritclosedwithIda’satthelips；
TillbackIfell，andfromminearmssheroseGlowingallovernobleshame；andallHerfalserselfsliptfromherlikearobe，Andleftherwoman，lovelierinhermoodThaninhermouldthatother，whenshecameFrombarrendeepstoconquerallwithlove；
Anddownthestreamingcrystaldropt；andsheFar—fleetedbythepurpleisland—sides，Naked，adoublelightinairandwave，TomeetherGraces，wheretheydeckedheroutForworshipwithoutend；norendofmine，Stateliest，forthee!butmutesheglidedforth，Norglancedbehindher，andIsankandslept，FilledthroughandthroughwithLove，ahappysleep。
DeepinthenightIwoke：she，nearme，heldAvolumeofthePoetsofherland：
Theretoherself，allinlowtones，sheread。
’Nowsleepsthecrimsonpetal，nowthewhite；
Norwavesthecypressinthepalacewalk；
Norwinksthegoldfinintheporphyryfont：
Thefire—flywakens：wakethouwithme。
Nowdroopsthemilkwhitepeacocklikeaghost，Andlikeaghostsheglimmersontome。
NowliestheEarthallDana？tothestars，Andallthyheartliesopenuntome。
Nowliesthesilentmeteoron，andleavesAshiningfurrow，asthythoughtsinme。
Nowfoldsthelilyallhersweetnessup，Andslipsintothebosomofthelake：
Sofoldthyself，mydearest，thou，andslipIntomybosomandbelostinme。’
Iheardherturnthepage；shefoundasmallSweetIdyl，andoncemore，aslow，sheread：
’Comedown，Omaid，fromyondermountainheight：
Whatpleasurelivesinheight（theshepherdsang）
Inheightandcold，thesplendourofthehills？
ButceasetomovesoneartheHeavens，andceaseToglideasunbeambytheblastedPine，Tositastaruponthesparklingspire；
Andcome，forloveisofthevalley，come，Forloveisofthevalley，comethoudownAndfindhim；bythehappythreshold，he，OrhandinhandwithPlentyinthemaize，Orredwithspirtedpurpleofthevats，Orfoxlikeinthevine；norcarestowalkWithDeathandMorningonthesilverhorns，Norwiltthousnarehiminthewhiteravine，Norfindhimdroptuponthefirthsofice，Thathuddlingslantinfurrow—clovenfallsTorollthetorrentoutofduskydoors：
Butfollow；letthetorrentdancetheedownTofindhiminthevalley；letthewildLean—headedEaglesyelpalone，andleaveThemonstrousledgestheretoslope，andspillTheirthousandwreathsofdanglingwater—smoke，Thatlikeabrokenpurposewasteinair：
Sowastenotthou；butcome；forallthevalesAwaitthee；azurepillarsofthehearthArisetothee；thechildrencall，andI
Thyshepherdpipe，andsweetiseverysound，Sweeterthyvoice，buteverysoundissweet；
Myriadsofrivuletshurryingthroughthelawn，Themoanofdovesinimmemorialelms，Andmurmuringofinnumerablebees。’
Soshelow—toned；whilewithshuteyesIlayListening；thenlooked。Palewastheperfectface；
Thebosomwithlongsighslaboured；andmeekSeemedthefulllips，andmildtheluminouseyes，Andthevoicetrembledandthehand。ShesaidBrokenly，thatsheknewit，shehadfailedInsweethumility；hadfailedinall；
ThatallherlabourwasbutasablockLeftinthequarry；butshestillwereloth，ShestillwerelothtoyieldherselftooneThatwhollyscornedtohelptheirequalrightsAgainstthesonsofmen，andbarbarouslaws。
SheprayedmenottojudgetheircausefromherThatwrongedit，soughtfarlessfortruththanpowerInknowledge：somethingwildwithinherbreast，Agreaterthanallknowledge，beatherdown。
Andshehadnursedmetherefromweektoweek：
Muchhadshelearntinlittletime。InpartItwasillcounselhadmisledthegirlTovextruehearts：yetwasshebutagirl——
’Ahfool，andmademyselfaQueenoffarce!
Whencomesanothersuch？never，Ithink，TilltheSundrop，dead，fromthesigns。’
Hervoicechoked，andherforeheadsankuponherhands，AndhergreatheartthroughallthefaultfulPastWentsorrowinginapauseIdarednotbreak；
TillnoticeofachangeinthedarkworldWaslisptabouttheacacias，andabird，Thatearlywoketofeedherlittleones，Sentfromadewybreastacryforlight：
Shemoved，andatherfeetthevolumefell。
’Blamenotthyselftoomuch，’Isaid，’norblameToomuchthesonsofmenandbarbarouslaws；
Theseweretheroughwaysoftheworldtillnow。
Henceforththouhastahelper，me，thatknowThewoman’scauseisman’s：theyriseorsinkTogether，dwarfedorgodlike，bondorfree：
ForshethatoutofLethescaleswithmanTheshiningstepsofNature，shareswithmanHisnights，hisdays，moveswithhimtoonegoal，Staysallthefairyoungplanetinherhands——
Ifshebesmall，slight—natured，miserable，Howshallmengrow？butworknomorealone!
Ourplaceismuch：asfarasinusliesWetwowillservethembothinaidingher——
WillclearawaytheparasiticformsThatseemtokeepherupbutdragherdown——
WillleaveherspacetoburgeonoutofallWithinher——lethermakeherselfherownTogiveorkeep，toliveandlearnandbeAllthatnotharmsdistinctivewomanhood。
Forwomanisnotundeveloptman，Butdiverse：couldwemakeherastheman，SweetLovewereslain：hisdearestbondisthis，Notliketolike，butlikeindifference。
Yetinthelongyearslikermusttheygrow；
Themanbemoreofwoman，sheofman；
Hegaininsweetnessandinmoralheight，Norlosethewrestlingthewsthatthrowtheworld；
Shementalbreadth，norfailinchildwardcare，Norlosethechildlikeinthelargermind；
Tillatthelastshesetherselftoman，Likeperfectmusicuntonoblewords；
Andsothesetwain，upontheskirtsofTime，Sitsidebyside，full—summedinalltheirpowers，Dispensingharvest，sowingtheTo—be，Self—reverenteachandreverencingeach，Distinctinindividualities，Butlikeeachotherevenasthosewholove。
ThencomesthestatelierEdenbacktomen：
Thenreigntheworld’sgreatbridals，chasteandcalm：
Thenspringsthecrowningraceofhumankind。
Maythesethingsbe!’
Sighingshespoke’IfearTheywillnot。’
’Dear，butletustypethemnowInourownlives，andthisproudwatchwordrestOfequal；seeingeithersexaloneIshalfitself，andintruemarriageliesNorequal，norunequal：eachfulfilsDefectineach，andalwaysthoughtinthought，Purposeinpurpose，willinwill，theygrow，Thesinglepureandperfectanimal，Thetwo—celledheartbeating，withonefullstroke，Life。’
Andagainsighingshespoke：’AdreamThatoncewasmind!whatwomantaughtyouthis？’
’Alone，’Isaid，’fromearlierthanIknow，Immersedinrichforeshadowingsoftheworld，Ilovedthewoman：he，thatdothnot，livesAdrowninglife，besottedinsweetself，Orpinesinsadexperienceworsethandeath，Orkeepshiswingedaffectionscliptwithcrime：
YetwasthereonethroughwhomIlovedher，oneNotlearn鑔，saveingracioushouseholdways，Notperfect，nay，butfulloftenderwants，NoAngel，butadearerbeing，alldiptInAngelinstincts，breathingParadise，InterpreterbetweentheGodsandmen，Wholookedallnativetoherplace，andyetOntiptoeseemedtotouchuponasphereToogrosstotread，andallmalemindsperforceSwayedtoherfromtheirorbitsastheymoved，Andgirdledherwithmusic。HappyheWithsuchamother!faithinwomankindBeatswithhisblood，andtrustinallthingshighComeseasytohim，andthoughhetripandfallHeshallnotblindhissoulwithclay。’
’ButI，’
SaidIda，tremulously，’soallunlike——
Itseemsyoulovetocheatyourselfwithwords：
Thismotherisyourmodel。Ihaveheardofyourstrangedoubts：theywellmightbe：IseemAmockerytomyownself。Never，Prince；
Youcannotloveme。’
’Naybutthee’Isaid’Fromyearlongporingonthypicturedeyes，EreseenIloved，andlovedtheeseen，andsawTheewomanthroughthecrustofironmoodsThatmaskedtheefrommen’sreverenceup，andforcedSweetloveonpranksofsaucyboyhood：now，Givenbacktolife，tolifeindeed，throughthee，IndeedIlove：thenewdaycomes，thelightDearerfornight，asdearerthouforfaultsLivedover：liftthineeyes；mydoubtsaredead，Myhauntingsenseofhollowshows：thechange，Thistruthfulchangeintheehaskilledit。Dear，Lookup，andletthynaturestrikeonmine，Likeyondermorningontheblindhalf—world；
Approachandfearnot；breatheuponmybrows；
InthatfineairItremble，allthepastMeltsmist—likeintothisbrighthour，andthisIsmorntomore，andalltherichto—comeReels，asthegoldenAutumnwoodlandreelsAthwartthesmokeofburningweeds。Forgiveme，Iwastemyheartinsigns：letbe。Mybride，Mywife，mylife。Owewillwalkthisworld，Yokedinallexerciseofnobleend，AndsothroughthosedarkgatesacrossthewildThatnomanknows。IndeedIlovethee：come，Yieldthyselfup：myhopesandthineareone：
Accomplishthoumymanhoodandthyself；
Laythysweethandsinmineandtrusttome。’
CONCLUSION
Soclosedourtale，ofwhichIgiveyouallTherandomschemeaswildlyasitrose：
Thewordsaremostlymine；forwhenweceasedTherecameaminute’spause，andWaltersaid，’Iwishshehadnotyielded!’thentome，’What，ifyoudrestituppoetically？’
Soprayedthemen，thewomen：Igaveassent：
YethowtobindthescatteredschemeofsevenTogetherinonesheaf？Whatstylecouldsuit？
ThemenrequiredthatIshouldgivethroughoutThesortofmock—heroicgigantesque，WithwhichwebanteredlittleLiliafirst：
Thewomen——andperhapstheyfelttheirpower，Forsomethingintheballadswhichtheysang，Orintheirsilentinfluenceastheysat，Hadeverseemedtowrestlewithburlesque，Anddroveus，last，toquiteasolemnclose——
Theyhatedbanter，wishedforsomethingreal，Agallantfight，anobleprincess——whyNotmakehertrue—heroic——true—sublime？
Orall，theysaid，asearnestastheclose？
Whichyetwithsuchaframeworkscarcecouldbe。
Thenrosealittlefeudbetwixtthetwo，Betwixtthemockersandtherealists：
AndI，betwixtthemboth，topleasethemboth，Andyettogivethestoryasitrose，Imovedasinastrangediagonal，Andmaybeneitherpleasedmyselfnorthem。
ButLiliapleasedme，forshetooknopartInourdispute：thesequelofthetaleHadtouchedher；andshesat，shepluckedthegrass，Sheflungitfromher，thinking：last，shefixtAshoweryglanceuponheraunt，andsaid，’You——telluswhatweare’whomighthavetold，Forshewascrammedwiththeoriesoutofbooks，Butthatthereroseashout：thegateswereclosedAtsunset，andthecrowdwereswarmingnow，Totaketheirleave，aboutthegardenrails。
SoIandsomewentouttothese：weclimbedTheslopetoVivian—place，andturningsawThehappyvalleys，halfinlight，andhalfFar—shadowingfromthewest，alandofpeace；
Grayhallsaloneamongtheirmassivegroves；
Trimhamlets；hereandtherearustictowerHalf—lostinbeltsofhopandbreadthsofwheat；
Theshimmeringglimpsesofastream；theseas；
Aredsail，orawhite；andfarbeyond，Imaginedmorethanseen，theskirtsofFrance。
’Lookthere，agarden!’saidmycollegefriend，TheTorymember’selderson，’andthere!
Godblessthenarrowseawhichkeepsheroff，AndkeepsourBritain，wholewithinherself，Anationyet，therulersandtheruled——
Somesenseofduty，somethingofafaith，Somereverenceforthelawsourselveshavemade，Somepatientforcetochangethemwhenwewill，Somecivicmanhoodfirmagainstthecrowd——
Butyonder，whiff!therecomesasuddenheat，Thegravestcitizenseemstolosehishead，Thekingisscared，thesoldierwillnotfight，Thelittleboysbegintoshootandstab，AkingdomtopplesoverwithashriekLikeanoldwoman，anddownrollstheworldInmockheroicsstrangerthanourown；
Revolts，republics，revolutions，mostNograverthanaschoolboys’barringout；
Toocomicfortheseriousthingstheyare，Toosolemnforthecomictouchesinthem，LikeourwildPrincesswithaswiseadreamAssomeoftheirs——Godblessthenarrowseas!
IwishtheywereawholeAtlanticbroad。’
’Havepatience，’Ireplied，’ourselvesarefullOfsocialwrong；andmaybewildestdreamsArebuttheneedfulpreludesofthetruth：
Forme，thegenialday，thehappycrowd，Thesporthalf—science，fillmewithafaith。
ThisfineoldworldofoursisbutachildYetinthego—cart。Patience!GiveittimeTolearnitslimbs：thereisahandthatguides。’
Insuchdiscoursewegainedthegardenrails，AndtherewesawSirWalterwherehestood，Beforeatowerofcrimsonholly—hoaks，Amongsixboys，headunderhead，andlookedNolittlelily—handedBaronethe，Agreatbroad—shoulderedgenialEnglishman，Alordoffatprize—oxenandofsheep，Araiserofhugemelonsandofpine，Apatronofsomethirtycharities，Apamphleteeronguanoandongrain，Aquarter—sessionschairman，ablernone；
Fair—hairedandredderthanawindymorn；
Nowshakinghandswithhim，nowhim，ofthoseThatstoodthenearest——nowaddressedtospeech——
Whospokefewwordsandpithy，suchasclosedWelcome，farewell，andwelcomefortheyearTofollow：ashoutroseagain，andmadeThelonglineoftheapproachingrookeryswerveFromtheelms，andshookthebranchesofthedeerFromslopetoslopethroughdistantferns，andrangBeyondthebournofsunset；O，ashoutMorejoyfulthanthecity—roarthathailsPremierorking!WhyshouldnotthesegreatSirsGiveuptheirparkssomedozentimesayearToletthepeoplebreathe？Sothricetheycried，Ilikewise，andingroupstheystreamedaway。
ButwewentbacktotheAbbey，andsaton，Somuchthegatheringdarknesscharmed：wesatButspokenot，raptinnamelessreverie，Perchanceuponthefutureman：thewallsBlackenedaboutus，batswheeled，andowlswhooped，Andgraduallythepowersofthenight，Thatrangeabovetheregionofthewind，DeepeningthecourtsoftwilightbrokethemupThroughallthesilentspacesoftheworlds，BeyondallthoughtintotheHeavenofHeavens。
LastlittleLilia，risingquietly，DisrobedtheglimmeringstatueofSirRalphFromthoserichsilks，andhomewell—pleasedwewent。