Volume Ii Part 22 (1/2)

A PREACHING FROM A SPANISH BALLAD

I

Ladies who in chains of wedlock Chafe at an unequal yoke, Not to nightingales give hearing; Better this, the raven's croak.

II

Down the Prado strolled my seigneur, Arm at lordly bow on hip, Fingers tr.i.m.m.i.n.g his moustachios, Eyes for pirate fellows.h.i.+p.

III

Home sat she that owned him master; Like the flower bent to ground Rain-surcharged and sun-forsaken; Heedless of her hair unbound.

IV

Sudden at her feet a lover Palpitating knelt and wooed; Seemed a very gift from heaven To the starved of common food.

V

Love me? she his vows repeated: Fiery vows oft sung and thrummed: Wondered, as on earth a stranger; Thirsted, trusted, and succ.u.mbed.

VI

O beloved youth! my lover!

Mine! my lover! take my life Wholly: thine in soul and body, By this oath of more than wife!

VII

Know me for no helpless woman; Nay, nor coward, though I sink Awed beside thee, like an infant Learning shame ere it can think.

VIII

Swing me hence to do thee service, Be thy succour, prove thy s.h.i.+eld; Heaven will hear!--in house thy handmaid, Squire upon the battlefield.

IX

At my b.r.e.a.s.t.s I cool thy footsoles; Wine I pour, I dress thy meats; Humbly, when my lord it pleaseth, Lie with him on perfumed sheets:

X

Pray for him, my blood's dear fountain, While he sleeps, and watch his yawn In that wakening babelike moment, Sweeter to my thought than dawn! -

XI

Thundered then her lord of thunders; Burst the door, and, flas.h.i.+ng sword, Loud disgorged the woman's t.i.tle: Condemnation in one word.

XII