And all the honour that lay to my hand

Had I but chosen it, as now I would"—

And sudden hid her face up in her hood,

Her courage ebbed in grief, all hardness drowned

In bitter weeping.

Noble pity crowned

[34]

The greater man in him; so for a space

They wept together, she for loss; for grace

Of gain wept he. "No more," he said, "my sweet,

Tell me no more."

"Ah, hear the whole of it

Before my hour is gone," she cried. But he

Groaning, "I dare not stay here lest I see

Him take thee again."

Both hands to fold her breast,

She shook her head; like as the sun through mist

Shone triumph in her eyes. "Have no more fear

Of him or any——" Then, hearing a stir

Within the house, her finger toucht her lip,

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