The Poetical Works Of Robert Bridges Part 19

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So just upon this time her sisters both Climb'd on the cliff that hung o'er Psyche's vale; And finding there no sign, to leave were loth Ere well a.s.sured she lurk'd not within hail.

So calling loud her name, 'Psyche!' they cried, 'Psyche, O Psyche!' and when none replied They sank upon the rocks to weep and wail.

5

But Psyche heard their voices where she sat, And summoning the Zephyr bade him fleet Those mourners down unto the gra.s.sy plat 'Midst of her garden, where she had her seat.

Then from the dizzy steep the wondering pair Came swiftly sinking on his buoyant air, And stood upon the terrace at her feet.

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Upsprang she then, and kiss'd them and embraced, And said 'Lo, here am I, I whom ye mourn.

I am not dead, nor tortured, nor disgraced, But blest above all days since I was born: Wherefore be glad. Enter my home and see How little cause has been to grieve for me, And my desertion on the rocks forlorn.'

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So entering by the golden gate, or e'er The marvel of their hither flight had waned, Fresh wonder took them now, for everywhere Their eyes that lit on beauty were enchain'd; And Psyche's airy service, as she bade, Perform'd its magic office, and display'd The riches of the palace where she reign'd.

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And through the perfumed chambers they were led, And bathed therein; and after, set to sup, Were upon dreamlike delicacies fed, And wine more precious than its golden cup.

Till seeing nothing lack'd and naught was theirs, Their happiness fell from them unawares, And bitter envy in their hearts sprang up.

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At last one said 'Psyche, since not alone Thou livest here in joy, as well we wot, Who is the man who should these wonders own, Or G.o.d, I say, and still appeareth not?

What is his name? What rank and guise hath he, Whom winds and spirits serve, who honoureth thee Above all others in thy blissful lot?'

10

But Psyche when that wistful speech she heard Was ware of all her spouse had warn'd her of: And uttering a disingenuous word, Said 'A youth yet unbearded is my love; He goeth hunting on the plains to-day, And with his dogs hath wander'd far away; And not till eve can he return above.'

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Then fearing to be nearer plied, she rose And brought her richest jewels one by one, Bidding them choose and take whate'er they chose; And beckoning the Zephyr spake anon That he should waft her sisters to the peak; The which he did, and, ere they more coud speak, They rose on high, and in the wind were gone.

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Nor till again they came upon the road, Which from the mountain shoulder o'er the plain Led to the city of their sire's abode, Found they their tongues, though full of high disdain Their hearts were, but kept silence, till the strength Of pride and envious hatred burst at length In voice, and thus the elder gan complain:

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'Cruel and unjust fortune! that of three Sisters, whose being from one fountain well'd, Exalts the last so high from her degree, And leaves the first to be so far excel'd.

My husband is a poor and n.i.g.g.ard churl To him, whoe'er he be, that loves the girl.

Oh! in what G.o.dlike state her house is held!'

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'Ay,' said the other, 'to a gouty loon Am I not wedded? Lo! thy hurt is mine: But never call me woman more, if soon I cannot lure her from her height divine.

Nay, she shall need her cunning wit to save The wealth of which so grudgingly she gave; Wherefore thy hand and heart with me combine.

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'She but received us out of pride, to show Her state, well deeming that her happiness Was little worth while there was none to know; So is our lot uninjured if none guess.

Reveal we nothing therefore, but the while Together scheme this wanton to beguile, And bring her boasting G.o.dhead to distress.'

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So fresh disordering their dress and hair, With loud lament they to their sire return, Telling they found not Psyche anywhere, And of her sure mischance could nothing learn: And with that lie the wounded man they slew, Hiding the saving truth which well they knew; Nor did his piteous grief their heart concern.

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Meanwhile her unknown lover did not cease To warn poor Psyche how her sisters plan'd To undermine her love and joy and peace; And urged how well she might their wiles withstand, By keeping them from her delight aloof: For better is security than proof, And malice held afar than near at hand.

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'And, dearest wife,' he said, 'since 'tis not long Ere one will come to share thy secrecy, And be thy babe and mine; let nothing wrong The happy months of thy maternity.

If thou keep trust, then shalt thou see thy child A G.o.d; but if to pry thou be beguiled, The lot of both is death and misery.'

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Then Psyche's simple heart was fill'd with joy, And counting to herself the months and days, Look'd for the time, when she should bear a boy To be her growing stay and G.o.dlike praise.

And 'O be sure,' she said, 'be sure, my pride Having so rich a promise cannot slide, Even if my love coud fail which thee obeys.'

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And so most happily her life went by, In thoughts of love dear to her new estate; Until at length the evil day drew nigh, When now her sisters, joined in jealous hate, Set forth again, and plotted by the way How they might best allure her to betray Her secret; with what he their angle bait.

21

That night her husband spake to her, and said 'Psyche, thy sisters come: and when they climb The peak they will not tarry to be sped Down by the Zephyr, as that other time, But winging to the wind will cast themselves Out in the air, and on the rocky shelves Be dasht, and pay the penalty of crime.