V.
FACE TO FACE.
THOU gazest in mine eyes and thine are wet; Thy hand seeks mine, and clings, and holds me fast; "The present," dost thou say, "and not the past Means light and joy and hope. I am beset With idle fears. Thy heart in my heart met Its all of love and faith—the spell I cast Will bind thee, while the soul in thee shall last, And the next life shall pay this life's dear debt."
Thine eyes seem true! Thy words! Ah she can hear! From her high place I think she sees thee now; Draw back thine hand, if but one shade of fear Of her reproach assail thee. I will bow To Fate's decree—from blame thou shalt be clear— Thou wilt not? . . . We will face her,—I and thou!