Part 24

‘She trusted him to understand,’ She wrote, and further prayed That policy might rule the land. Old Kraken’s laughter neighed.

VII

Her words he took; her nods and winks Treated as woman’s fog. The man-dog for his mistress thinks, Not less her faithful dog.

VIII

She hugged a cloak old Kraken ripped; Disguise to him he loathed. —Your mercy, madam, shows you stripped, While mine will keep you clothed.

A rough ill-soldered scar in haste He rubbed on his cheek-bone. —Our policy the man shall taste; Our mercy shall be shown.

‘Count Louis, honour to your race Decrees the Council-hall: You ’scape the rope by special grace, And like a soldier fall.’

—I am a man of many sins, Who for one virtue die, Count Louis said.—They play at shins, Who kick, was the reply.

XII

Uprose the day of crimson sight, The day without a God. At morn the hero said Good-night: See there that stain on sod!

XIII

At morn the Countess Louis heard Young light sing in the lark. Ere eve it was that other bird, Which brings the starless dark.

XIV

To heaven she vowed herself, and yearned Beside her lord to lie. Archduchess Anne on Kraken turned, All white as a dead eye.

If I could kill thee! shrieked her look: If lightning sprang from Will! An oaken head old Kraken shook, And she might thank or kill.

XVI

The pride that fenced her heart in mail By mortal pain was torn. Forth from her bosom leaped a wail, As of a babe new-born.

XVII

She clad herself in courtly use, And one who heard them prate Had said they differed upon views Where statecraft raised debate.

XVIII

The wretch detested must she trust, The servant master own: Confide to godless cause so just, And for God’s blessing moan.

XIX

Austerely she her heart kept down, Her woman’s tongue was mute When voice of People, voice of Crown, In cannon held dispute.

The Crown on seas of blood, like swine, Swam forefoot at the throat: It drank of its dear veins for wine, Enough if it might float!

XXI

It sank with piteous yelp, resurged Electrical with fear. O had she on old Kraken urged Her word of mercy clear!

XXII

O had they with Count Louis been Accordant in his plea! Cursed are the women vowed to screen A heart that all can see!