Angels and Women (1924)

18 ANGELS AND WOMENquickly I scarce saw him. He too was beautifulbut filled me with terror. Will he seekthe dove’s nest l I must follow ....O, my dear birds! The father and motherare gone; one little white trembler remainsalone. But I have taken thee as my specialcare, pretty dove; the serpent shall do theeno harm. These venomous beasts alwayscome forth in the night; we must leave thisplace and retire to my chamber where weshall be safe.No--I will stay, and repeat solemnly,"God alone is Almighty. Depart, Evil One!"That will be a protection.How lovely is the grove in the twilight!The palms wave in the soft wind; the flowersexhale their odors; the insects chirp lazily;the birds are silent; the Euphrates sparklesin the fading light.The river (now that I think of it) appearsunreal tonight, not placid and calm, butagitated, and swelling upward; like a voiceit seems to say: "Coming, coming."