Angels and Women (1924)

74 ANGELS AND WOMEN
this day. You ask my love. The gift would
be fatal, the union accursed. So far, you may
be restored. If I yield to your persuasion,
we shall sink into everlasting perdition."
I then drew forth a small dagger, which
since the visit of the Star-spirits I had always
carried, and I spoke again: "I know
not what moves me. I love you not, 0
Hesperus, yet would I plunge this weapon
into my own heart to save you from the sin
of my embrace." I held the point of the dagger
firmly upon my bosom, and Hesperus,
after gazing upon me in astonishment,
silently withdrew.
Not in vain, 0 Allimades, did the memory
of thy warning come to thy child t Not in
vain did thy heart in years agone grow dull
beneath the deadly blight! And yet--the
thread of my fate is twined with that of
Hesperus.