Poems by George Meredith Volume Ii Part 19

With Louis' chance it went not well When at herself she raged; A woman, of whom men might tell She doted, crazed and aged.

XVII

Or else enamoured of a sweet Withdrawn, a vengeful crone!

And say, what figure at her feet Is this that utters moan?

XVIII

The Countess Louis from her head Drew veil: 'Great Lady, hear!

My husband deems you Justice dread, I know you Mercy dear.

XIX

'His error upon him may fall; He will not breathe a nay.

I am his helpless mate in all, Except for grace to pray.

XX

'Perchance on me his choice inclined, To give his House an heir: I had not marriage with his mind, His counsel could not share.

XXI

'I brought no portion for his weal But this one instinct true, Which bids me in my weakness kneel, Archd.u.c.h.ess Anne, to you.'

XXII

The frowning Lady uttered, 'Forth!'

Her look forbade delay: 'It is not mine to weigh your worth; Your husband's others weigh.

XXIII

'Hence with the woman in your speech,'

For nothing it avails In woman's fashion to beseech Where Justice holds the scales.'

XXIV

Then bent and went the lady wan, Whose girlishness made grey The thoughts that through Archd.u.c.h.ess Anne Shattered like stormy spray.

XXV

Long sat she there, as flame that strives To hold on beating wind: - His wife must be the fool of wives, Or cunningly designed!

XXVI

She sat until the tempest-pitch In her torn bosom fell; - His wife must be a subtle witch Or else G.o.d loves her well!

3--I

Old Kraken read a missive penned By his great Lady's hand.

Her condescension called him friend, To raise the crest she fanned.

II

Swiftly to where he lay encamped It flew, yet breathed aloof From woman's feeling, and he stamped A heel more like a hoof.

III

She wrote of Mercy: 'She was loth Too hard to goad a foe.'

He stamped, as when men drive an oath Devils transcribe below.

IV

She wrote: 'We have him half by theft.'

His wrinkles glistened keen: And see the Winter storm-cloud cleft To lurid skies between!

V

When read old Kraken: 'Christ our Guide,'

His eyes were spikes of spar: And see the white snow-storm divide About an icy star!

VI

'She trusted him to understand,'

She wrote, and further prayed That policy might rule the land.

Old Kraken's laughter neighed.

VII

Her words he took; her nods and winks Treated as woman's fog.

The man-dog for his mistress thinks, Not less her faithful dog.

VIII

She hugged a cloak old Kraken ripped; Disguise to him he loathed.

- Your mercy, madam, shows you stripped, While mine will keep you clothed.

IX

A rough ill-soldered scar in haste He rubbed on his cheek-bone.

- Our policy the man shall taste; Our mercy shall be shown.

X

'Count Louis, honour to your race Decrees the Council-hall: You 'scape the rope by special grace, And like a soldier fall.'

XI

- I am a man of many sins, Who for one virtue die, Count Louis said.--They play at shins, Who kick, was the reply.