ear to proffered vows Of one who loves you, and would be your spouse We must not wrong yourself and Sicily By letting all your blooming years pass by p. 44Unmated: you will give the world its due From beauteous maiden, and become a matron true.” p. 41 p. 42 p. 43 p. 44 Then Lisa, wrapt in virgin wonderment At her ambitious love’s complete content, Which left no further good for her to seek Than love’s obedience, said, with accent meek,— “Monsignor, I know well that were it known To all the world how high my love had flown, There would be few who would not deem me mad, Or say my mind the falsest image had Of my condition and your loftiness. But Heaven has seen that for no moment’s space Have I forgotten you to be the king, Or me myself to be a lowly thing— A little lark, enamoured of the sky, p. 45That soared to sing, to break its breast, and die. But, as you better know than I, the heart In choosing chooseth not its own desert, But that great merit which attracteth it: ’Tis law, I struggled, but I must submit, And having seen a worth all worth above, I loved you, love you, and shall always love. But that doth mean, my will is ever yours, Not only when your will my good insures, But if it wrought me what the world calls harm: Fire, wounds, would wear from your dear will a charm. That you will be my knight is full content, And for that kiss,—I pray, first, for the queen’s consent.” p. 46Her answer, given with such firm gentleness, Pleased the queen well, and made her hold no less Of Lisa’s merit than the king had held. And so, all cloudy threats of grief dispelled, There was betrothal made that very morn ’Twixt Perdicone, youthful, brave, well-born, And Lisa whom he loved; she loving well The lot that from obedience befell. The queen a rare betrothal ring on each Bestowed, and other gems, with gracious speech. And, that no joy might lack, the king, who knew The youth was poor, gave him rich Ceffalù And Cataletta,—large and fruitful lands,— Adding much promise when he joined their hands. At last he said to Lisa, with an air Gallant yet noble, “Now we claim our share p. 47From your sweet love, a share which is not small; For in the sacrament one crumb is all.” Then, taking her small face his hands between, He kissed her on the brow with kiss serene,— Fit seal to that pure
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