While I bit my lips till they bled,

And dug my nails into my hand,[570]

And heard with averted head[571]

What I’d guessed,[572] and could understand.

Every word was a serpent’s sting,

But wrapt[573] in my gloomy gown,

I sat, like a marble thing,

As she told me all![574] Sit down![575]

More wine,[576] Fra Giacomo!

One cup—if you love me! No?