Page:The Vow of the Peacock.pdf/182

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Had been upon the serpent's lair. That night She brooded o'er her wrongs, and bitterly Prayed for revenge! - - - And this is Woman's fate: All her affections are called into life By winning flatteries, and then thrown back Upon themselves to perish, and her heart, Her trusting heart, filled with weak tenderness, Is left to bleed or break! - - - - The marriage feast was spread, the guests were round, The halls were filled with mirth, and light, and song. High o'er the rest the youthful pair were placed, Beneath a canopy of fretted gold And royal purple. With a shout they drank Health and long blessedness to the fair bride! And Fernand called for wine, to pledge them back His thanks. A slender Page approached, and held The golden cup; - - - There is a marble look