Volume Ii Part 20 (1/2)

XII

Uprose the day of crimson sight, The day without a G.o.d.

At morn the hero said Good-night: See there that stain on sod!

XIII

At morn the Countess Louis heard Young light sing in the lark.

Ere eve it was that other bird, Which brings the starless dark.

XIV

To heaven she vowed herself, and yearned Beside her lord to lie.

Archd.u.c.h.ess Anne on Kraken turned, All white as a dead eye.

XV

If I could kill thee! shrieked her look: If lightning sprang from Will!

An oaken head old Kraken shook, And she might thank or kill.

XVI

The pride that fenced her heart in mail By mortal pain was torn.

Forth from her bosom leaped a wail, As of a babe new-born.

XVII

She clad herself in courtly use, And one who heard them prate Had said they differed upon views Where statecraft raised debate.

XVIII

The wretch detested must she trust, The servant master own: Confide to G.o.dless cause so just, And for G.o.d's blessing moan.

XIX

Austerely she her heart kept down, Her woman's tongue was mute When voice of People, voice of Crown, In cannon held dispute.

XX

The Crown on seas of blood, like swine, Swam forefoot at the throat: It drank of its dear veins for wine, Enough if it might float!

XXI

It sank with piteous yelp, resurged Electrical with fear.

O had she on old Kraken urged Her word of mercy clear!

XXII

O had they with Count Louis been Accordant in his plea!