Which held the nobler place in the world's plan.

Her soul at least was single, and must be

Unmated still through its eternity.

And, even here in life, what reason yet

To doubt or question or despair of Fate?

Her youth, an ample web, before her shone

For hope to weave its subtlest fancies on,

If she had cared to dream. Her lot was good

Beyond the common lot of womanhood,

22

And she would prove her fortune best in this,

That she would not repine at happiness.

Thus to her soul she argued as the Spring

Brought back its joy to each begotten thing—

thing—

Begotten and begetting. Who shall say

Which had the better reason, she or they?

In the fourth year a half acknowledged grief

Made its appearance in Griselda's life.

Her sisters married, younger both than she,

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