XII

Yet—no! She dared not go to him,

To her he could not come.

[Pg 37]

Then, sudden a thought her being swept

And struck her loud heart dumb.

Till in her rose confusion dim,

Fear fighting with Desire—

Which to O-Shichi took the shape of Fudo, god of fire.

XIII

And Fudo won her: for that night

Did fond O-Shichi dare

To set aflame her father's house,

Hoping again to share

The temple with her acolyte,

Her lover-priest, who, spent

With speechless passion for her face, in vain strove to repent.

XIV

But ah! what destiny can do

Is not for folly's hand.

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