That the will of man can seize you; aye, and hold you fast!”

Food he ate for pleasure, and wine he drank for gladness,

And woman? Ah, the woman! the crown of all delight!—

His now—he knew it! He was strong to madness

In that early dawning after prehistoric night.

His—his forever! That glory sweet and tender!

Ah, but he would love her! And she should love but him!

He would work and struggle for her, he would shelter and defend her;

She should never leave him, never, till their eyes in death were dim.

Close, close he bound her, that she should leave him never;