She knew
She was not wise; was conscious in herself
Of eager impulses that would have wrecked
Her whole heart’s happiness a thousand times,
Had not some Power from without herself
Shut down the sudden gates, and with its stern
“Thou shalt not!” left her, stunned perhaps, but saved.
For she was but a woman, and her will
Hung poised upon her heart, and swayed with each
Quick-passing impulse, like a humming-bird