[Pg 379]

III

ON THE SANDS

I

There was nothing at all in the case (conceive)

But love; being love, it was not (understand)

Such a thing as the years let fall (believe)

Like the rope's coil dropt from a fisherman's hand

When the boat's hauled up—"by your leave!"

II

So—well! How that crab writhes—leg after leg

Drawn, as a worm draws ring upon ring

Gradually, not gladly! Chicken or egg,

Is it more than the ransom (say) of a king

(Take my meaning at least) that I beg?

III

Not so! You were ready to learn, I think,

What the world said! "He loves you too well (suppose)

For such leanings! These poets, their love's mere ink—

Like a flower, their flame flashes—a rosebud, blows—

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