Alice: An Adultery

THE FORTY-SIXTH DAY “ Because I love you, I will let you know : . . . . . . . my wife . . . . . . . . . . like a fountain with a hundred spouts Did run pure blood.” Julius Caesar. Was it a sense of uttermost relief We gladdened with, and bade our fears forget ? Was there no subtle fragrance of regret ? For me, at least, a pang of perfect grief ? Had it been otherwise, I would be chief And drive her to abandon all things yet In mere despair, that bye and bye shall get Young comfort in a babe beyond belief. God would not curse and bless us to such measure ; We were not sad enough nor glad enough ! A little time of misery and pleasure ; Pain strangling half the ecstasy thereof— Such all our gain, who gained the utmost treasure, Gift of the wizard wand and cup of love. 88