THE EIGHTH DAY 
 
“ A certain aim he took 
At a fair Vestal throned by the West.” 
Midsummer Night’s Dream. 
 
Here in the extreme west of all the earth 
This Vestal sate ; and I from Cupid’s bow 
Loosed a fair shaft of verses shapen so 
As to fling love through the chaste girdle’s girth, 
And show my love how meek was my love’s birth, 
How innocent its being :  thus arow 
Stood the mild lines, immaculate, to show 
My harmless passion and her own great worth. 
 
She could not be offended :  and moreover— 
When at the nightfall I sought Heaven’s light, 
All my work grew unspotted, done aright ! 
The high Gods came above my head to hover, 
Because I worked with a diviner might, 
The perfect sage being the perfect lover. 
 
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