IV

Hast heard that Proserpina

      (Once fooling) was snatched away,

      To partake the dark king's seat,—

      And that the tears ran fast on her feet,

            To think how the sun shone yesterday?

      With her ankles sunken in asphodel,

      She wept for the roses of earth, which fell

From her lap, when the wild car drave to hell.

                        Heart, wilt thou go?

                              —"No, no!

                  Wise hearts are warmer so."