And dreamt of love till break of day.”
In vain she plied her knotted scourge. Day after day she “had still the same red sin to purge.” Winter came, and the snow shut in hill and plain; and she watched the nearest city glow beneath the frosty sky. “Her hungry heart devoured the town;” until, at last, she tore her fillet and veil into strips, and cast aside the ring and bracelet that she wore as the betrothed of Christ:—
“‘Life’s dearest meaning I shall probe;
Lo! I shall taste of love, at last!
Away!’ She doffed her outer robe,
And sent it sailing down the blast.
“Her body seemed to warm the wind;
With bleeding feet o’er ice she ran;
‘I leave the righteous God behind;