Angels and Women (1924)

CHANGE 73
Thou art mine other self, O strongest
soul,
completest womanhood! Love for thee now
fills my heart, transforms my being. I
would hold thee forever and forever, brightest
jewel in my crown, rarest bliss in earth
or Heaven. Hesperus, the passionless, bows
to one of mortal mould. Accept his adoration,
make him happier, exalt him with thy
love, my queen, Aloma!"
With a look of infinite yearning he extended
his arms. I was attracted, as is steel
by the magnet. My brain grew dizzy, my
sight indistinct, the pleading voice became
a confused sound. Then memory whispered
Allimades’ name, reason conquered feeling,
and I replied: "Hesperus, not even the
safety of my mother shall tempt me. Sin is
more dreadful than death, holiness is more
to be desired than glory. I am inspired with
wisdom and strength beyond my own comprehension;
I know that you fell from holiness
when you renounced the service of the
Lord of Heaven. Still lower are you debased