Volume Ii Part 19 (2/2)

II

Swiftly to where he lay encamped It flew, yet breathed aloof From woman's feeling, and he stamped A heel more like a hoof.

III

She wrote of Mercy: 'She was loth Too hard to goad a foe.'

He stamped, as when men drive an oath Devils transcribe below.

IV

She wrote: 'We have him half by theft.'

His wrinkles glistened keen: And see the Winter storm-cloud cleft To lurid skies between!

V

When read old Kraken: 'Christ our Guide,'

His eyes were spikes of spar: And see the white snow-storm divide About an icy star!

VI

'She trusted him to understand,'

She wrote, and further prayed That policy might rule the land.

Old Kraken's laughter neighed.

VII

Her words he took; her nods and winks Treated as woman's fog.

The man-dog for his mistress thinks, Not less her faithful dog.

VIII

She hugged a cloak old Kraken ripped; Disguise to him he loathed.

- Your mercy, madam, shows you stripped, While mine will keep you clothed.

IX

A rough ill-soldered scar in haste He rubbed on his cheek-bone.

- Our policy the man shall taste; Our mercy shall be shown.

X

'Count Louis, honour to your race Decrees the Council-hall: You 'scape the rope by special grace, And like a soldier fall.'

XI

- I am a man of many sins, Who for one virtue die, Count Louis said.--They play at s.h.i.+ns, Who kick, was the reply.

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