Alice: An Adultery

THE TWENTY-SIXTH DAY “ I think the devil will not have me damned. . . . he would never else cross me thus.” Merry Wives of Windsor. This time she set her will against my will ; Swore that she would not come : in my despair I half believed her an enchantress fair Cruel as hell and dowered with subtle skill To strain my life out with her love, and kill My soul with misery : suddenly a rare Swift smile set shimmering all the ambient air, And then I knew she was my true love still. She would not come ? Why, were Hell’s portals fast Shut, as to Orpheus on Eurydice, Their brass would break before love’s gold and steel, The sharpness inlaid with sweet tracery Of talismans of virtue : she is leal To come and live and be my love at last. 61