Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/335

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 * On any terms, marry Miss Bellanaine;
 * It goes against your conscience—good! Well, don't,
 * You say, you love a mortal. I would fain
 * Persuade your honor's highness to refrain
 * From peccadilloes. But, sire, as I say,
 * What good would that do? And, to be more plain,
 * You would do me a mischief some odd day,

Cut off my ears and hands, or head too, by my fay!


 * Vile strictures on the conduct of a prince
 * Who should indulge his genius, if he has any,
 * Not, like a subject, foolish matters mince.
 * Now I think on't, perhaps I could convince
 * Your majesty there is no crime at all
 * In loving pretty little Bertha, since
 * She's very delicate,— not over tall,—

A fairy's hand, and in the waist why—very small."

"'Tis five,"
 * Said gentle Hum; "the night draws in apace;
 * The little birds I hear are all alive;
 * I see the dawning touch'd upon your face;
 * Shall I put out the candles, please your Grace?"
 * "Do put them out, and, without more ado,
 * Tell me how I may that sweet girl embrace,—
 * How you can bring her to me." "That's for you,

Great Emperor! to adventure, like a lover true."