It left upon her tender flesh no trace. The murderer is safe. As swift as light The weapon fell, and, in the summer night, Did scarce the silent, dewy air displace; 'T was but a word. A blow had been less base. Like dumb beast branded by an iron white With heat, she turned in blind and helpless flight, But then remembered, and with piteous face Came back. Since then, the world has nothing missed In her, in voice or smile. But she -- each day She counts until her dying be complete. One moan she makes, and ever doth repeat: "O lips that I have loved and kissed and kissed, Did I deserve to die this bitterest way?" |