And one fixt look she gave of fellowship

Assured—then turned and quickly went her way;

And his light vanisht with her for that day.

[35]

FOURTH STAVE

THE APOLOGY OF HELEN

O singing heart, O twice-undaunted lover!

O ever to be blest, twice blest moreover!

Twice over win the world in one girl's eyes,

Twice over lift her name up to the skies;

Twice to hope all things, so to be twice born—

For he lives not who cannot front the morn

Saying, "This day I live as never yet

Lived striving man on earth!" What if the fret

Of loss and ten years' agonizing snow

Thy hairs or leave their tracery on thy brow,

Each line beslotted by the demon hounds

Hunting thee down o' nights? Laugh at thy wounds,

Laugh at thy eld, strong lover, whose blood flows

Clear from the fountain, singing as it goes,

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