Esther, A Sonnet Sequence: Xlii

And so we went our way,--yes, hand in hand, Like two lost children in some magic wood Baffled and baffling with enchanter's wand The various beasts that crossed us and withstood. Each step was an experience. Every mood Of that fair woman a fresh gospelling, Which spoke aloud to me and stirred my blood To a new faith, I knew not with what sting. One thing alone I knew or cared to know, Her strange companionship thus strangely won. The past, the future, all of weal or woe In my old life was gone, for ever gone. And still to this I clung as one who clings To hope's last hencoop in the wreck of things.