Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus volume 1.djvu/326

312 I know my man. Shrouded by careful night. We will set secret sail for Sicily. Once in Palermo, thou rnayst write thy father Sue for his pardon tell him that, ere long, When I have won by cautious policy King Philip s favor, thou shalt be proclaimed Princess of Austria.

I cannot ! no ! I cannot !

I feared as much. Well, it is better thus. I asked thee not to front the &quot; worst of ills That envious fate could heap upon thy head &quot; Only a little patience. T was too much ; I cannot blame thee. T is a loving father. I, a mere stranger, had naught else to hope, Matching my claim with his. Oh, pardon, pardon ! My Lord, my Prince, my husband ! I am thine ! Lead wheresoe er thou wilt, I follow thee. Tell me a life s devotion may efface The weakness of a moment !

Ah, mine own !