So that I saw him not again that night;

And in the morning back to Fredegonde

Returned the messenger, but Merow went

Alone, and brooded much in solitude,

Nor heeded me, nor sought to speak with me,

As he was wont to on the least pretence.

“One morning to my room there came a page

Of Merow’s, who, when I would talk to him

At our chance meetings, blushed and hung his head,

But, when I heeded not his presence, gazed