To read the masker! I, who was a Queen,
And like a hireling thought to ’scape my task!
For some few seasons left this heart is schooled:
Yet,—had it been a little longer fooled,—
“O God!” And from her seat she bowed her down.
The gentle sovereign of that spacious land
Lay prone beneath the bauble of her crown,
Nor heard all night her whispering ladies stand
Outside the portal. Greatly, in the morn,
They marvelled at her visage wan and worn.