Page:One of Cleopatra's nights by F.S. Faust.djvu/12



Then she: "Art thou so loose with life and death, O Slave?" "Slave though I am," cried he, "thou standest here A simple woman, I a man!"

And first Her eyes shone threatening and her hands clenched tight, But after came a little wondering smile: "Truly thou art different from other men, For many others woo me with great gifts, And promised kingdoms, and an empire's wealth, Nor ever angry word, nor ever threat! But hast thou joined the hands of death and love?"

And Creon answered: "Others offer gifts, Homage of Empires; I am awed no whit, Who place against their gifts and Empire's wealth Myself!"

Then she: "How darest thou to speak Of love who never till this day placed eyes On mine?"

And Creon said: "Wouldst thou give space To love, straighten his kingdom by the bounds Of time? Hast thou no sudden passions in Thy heart; passions that of themselves are rule And right? That have no need of reason for The frowth, nor any need of words to give