Since none love Queens directly, none dare that,
And a thing's shadow or a name's mere echo
Suffices those who miss the name and thing!
You pick up just a ribbon she has worn,
To keep in proof how near her breath you came.
Say, I 'm so near I seem a piece of her—
Ask for me that way—(oh, you understand,)
You 'd find the same gift yielded with a grace,
Which, if you make the least show to extort ...
—You 'll see! and when you have ruined both of us,