Part 11 (1/2)

But what have I to do with this? And when Was that song put in hiding 'mid my thought?

I might be on my way to meet and give Good morrow to my--Ah! last night, last night!

O fie! I must not dream so.

[_At the Gate_.

It _was_ I!

I am the girl whose lover they have killed, Who never saw him until out of death He lookt into my soul. I was to meet Somewhere in life my lover, and behold, He has turned into an inn I dare not enter, And gazes through a window at my soul Going on labour'd with this loving body.-- Did I not sleep last night with you in my arms?

I could have sworn it. Why should body have So large a part in love? For if 'twere only Spirit knew how to love, an easy road My feet had down to death. But I must want Lips against mine, and arms marrying me, And breast to kiss with its dear warmth my breast,-- Body must love! O me, how it must ache Before it is as numb as thine, dear boy!

Poor darling, didst thou forget that I was made To wed thee, body and soul? For surely else Thou hadst not gone from life.-- Ah, folk already, Coming to curse the light with all their stares.

V

KATRINA _and_ JEAN.

_Katrina_.

Where are you off to, Jean, in such a tear?

_Jean_.

I'm busy.

_Katrina_.

O you light-skirts! who is it now?

You think I can't guess what your business is?

Is it aught fresh, or only old stuff warmed?

_Jean_.

Does not the smartness in your wits, Katrina, Make your food smack sourly?--Well, this time, It's serious with me. I believe I'm caught.

_Katrina_.

O but you've had such practice in being caught, You'll break away quite easily when you want.

Tell me now who it is.

_Jean_.

The man who spoke When we were at the Scottish Gate that day.

O, he's a dapper boy! Did you mark his eyes?

_Katrina_.

Nay, I saw nought but he was under-grown.

_Jean_.

Pooh! He can carry me.

_Katrina_.

Jean, have you heard Of Mary lately?--I vow she's in love.

_Jean_.

Never! with whom?

_Katrina_.

The thing's a wonder, Jean.