Part 23

XVI

With Louis’ chance it went not well When at herself she raged; A woman, of whom men might tell She doted, crazed and aged.

XVII

Or else enamoured of a sweet Withdrawn, a vengeful crone! And say, what figure at her feet Is this that utters moan?

XVIII

The Countess Louis from her head Drew veil: ‘Great Lady, hear! My husband deems you Justice dread, I know you Mercy dear.

XIX

‘His error upon him may fall; He will not breathe a nay. I am his helpless mate in all, Except for grace to pray.

‘Perchance on me his choice inclined, To give his House an heir: I had not marriage with his mind, His counsel could not share.

XXI

‘I brought no portion for his weal But this one instinct true, Which bids me in my weakness kneel, Archduchess Anne, to you.’

XXII

The frowning Lady uttered, ‘Forth!’ Her look forbade delay: ‘It is not mine to weigh your worth; Your husband’s others weigh.

XXIII

‘Hence with the woman in your speech,’ For nothing it avails In woman’s fashion to beseech Where Justice holds the scales.’

XXIV

Then bent and went the lady wan, Whose girlishness made grey The thoughts that through Archduchess Anne Shattered like stormy spray.

XXV

Long sat she there, as flame that strives To hold on beating wind: —His wife must be the fool of wives, Or cunningly designed!

XXVI

She sat until the tempest-pitch In her torn bosom fell; —His wife must be a subtle witch Or else God loves her well!

III

Old Kraken read a missive penned By his great Lady’s hand. Her condescension called him friend, To raise the crest she fanned.

Swiftly to where he lay encamped It flew, yet breathed aloof From woman’s feeling, and he stamped A heel more like a hoof.

III

She wrote of Mercy: ‘She was loth Too hard to goad a foe.’ He stamped, as when men drive an oath Devils transcribe below.

She wrote: ‘We have him half by theft.’ His wrinkles glistened keen: And see the Winter storm-cloud cleft To lurid skies between!

When read old Kraken: ‘Christ our Guide,’ His eyes were spikes of spar: And see the white snow-storm divide About an icy star!