XII.
Yet, as hetaira,—comrade, chambermate,—
(The ambiguous word bespoke her dubious state),
She, craving mental food, might but be guest
By paying with her body for the quest;
Conceding that, might lead a learned life,—
A licence vetoed to the legal wife,—
Might win great wealth, or build a lasting fame,
Not due to her the guilt that left the tinge of shame.