XX
‘Perchance on me his choice inclined,
To give his House an heir:
I had not marriage with his mind,
His counsel could not share.
XXI
‘I brought no portion for his weal
But this one instinct true,
Which bids me in my weakness kneel,
Archduchess Anne, to you.’
XXII
The frowning Lady uttered, ‘Forth!’
Her look forbade delay:
‘It is not mine to weigh your worth;
Your husband’s others weigh.
XXIII
‘Hence with the woman in your speech,’
For nothing it avails
In woman’s fashion to beseech
Where Justice holds the scales.’
XXIV
Then bent and went the lady wan,
Whose girlishness made grey
The thoughts that through Archduchess Anne
Shattered like stormy spray.