"The last!" quoth she, "and though the last it were—

Lo! those two wantons, where they stand so proud

With waving plumes, and jewels in their hair,

And painted cheeks, like Dagons to be bow'd

And curtsey'd to!—last Sabbath after pray'r,

I heard the little Tomkins ask aloud

If they were angels—but I made him know

God's bright ones better, with a bitter blow!"

X.

So speaking, they pursue the pebbly walk