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26

Long since I lifted up my voice in joy,

When the first messenger from flaming Troy

Spake through the dark of sack and overthrow.

And mockers chid me: "Because beacons show

On the hills, must Troy be fallen? Quickly born

Are women's hopes!" Aye, many did me scorn;

Yet gave I sacrifice; and by my word

Through all the city our woman's cry was heard,

Lifted in blessing round the seats of God,

And slumbrous incense o'er the altars glowed

In fragrance.

And for thee, what need to tell

Thy further tale? My lord himself shall well

Instruct me. Yet, to give my lord and king

All reverent greeting at his homecoming—

What dearer dawn on woman's eyes can flame

Than this, which casteth wide her gate to acclaim

The husband whom God leadeth safe from war?—

Go, bear my lord this prayer: That fast and far

He haste him to this town which loves his name;

And in his castle may he find the same

Wife that he left, a watchdog of the hall,

True to one voice and fierce to others all;

A body and soul unchanged, no seal of his

Broke in the waiting years.—No thought of ease

Nor joy from other men hath touched my soul,

Nor shall touch, until bronze be dyed like wool.

A boast so faithful and so plain, I wot,

Spoke by a royal Queen doth shame her not.

[Exit.