LXV.

They forced him from that spot. It might be well,

That the fierce reckless words by anguish wrung

From his torn breast, all aimless as they fell,

Like spray-drops from the strife of torrents flung,

Were mark’d as guilt. There are who note these things

Against the smitten heart; its breaking strings

—On whose low thrills once gentle music hung—

With a rude hand of touch unholy trying,

And numbering then as crimes, the deep, strange tones replying.