"If I spend the night with that devil twice,
May his window serve as my loop of hell
Whence a damned soul looks on paradise!"
"I fly to the Duke who loves me well,
Sit by his side and laugh at sorrow
Ere I count another ave-bell."
"'Tis only the coat of a page to borrow,
And tie my hair in a horse-boy's trim.
And I save my soul—but not to-morrow"—
(She checked herself and her eye grew dim)
"My father tarries to bless my state:
I must keep it one day more for him."
"Is one day more so long to wait?
Moreover the Duke rides past, I know;
We shall see each other, sure as fate."
She turned on her side and slept. Just so!
So we resolve on a thing and sleep:
So did the lady, ages ago.
That night the Duke said, "Dear or cheap
As the cost of this cup of bliss may prove
To body or soul, I will drain it deep."
And on the morrow, bold with love,
He beckoned the bridegroom (close on call,
As his duty bade, by the Duke's alcove)
And smiled "Twas a very funeral,
Your lady will think, this feast of ours,—
A shame to efface, whate'er befall!"
"What if we break from the Arno bowers,
And try if Petraja, cool and green,
Cure last night's fault with this morning's flowers?"