Angels and Women (1924)

CHANGE 73Thou art mine other self, O strongest soul,completest womanhood! Love for thee nowfills my heart, transforms my being. Iwould hold thee forever and forever, brightestjewel in my crown, rarest bliss in earthor Heaven. Hesperus, the passionless, bowsto one of mortal mould. Accept his adoration,make him happier, exalt him with thylove, my queen, Aloma!"With a look of infinite yearning he extendedhis arms. I was attracted, as is steelby the magnet. My brain grew dizzy, mysight indistinct, the pleading voice becamea confused sound. Then memory whisperedAllimades’ name, reason conquered feeling,and I replied: "Hesperus, not even thesafety of my mother shall tempt me. Sin ismore dreadful than death, holiness is moreto be desired than glory. I am inspired withwisdom and strength beyond my own comprehension;I know that you fell from holinesswhen you renounced the service of theLord of Heaven. Still lower are you debased