And Rachel said, And shall it be again As, when dissevered far, unheard, alone, Consumed in bitter anger all night long, I moaned and wept, while, silent and discreet, One reaped the fruit of love that Rachel’s was Upon the breast of him that knew her not? And Leah said, And was it then a wrong That, in submission to a father’s word, Trembling yet hopeful, to that bond I crept, Which God hath greatly prospered, and my lord, Content, in after-wisdom not disowned, Joyful, in after-thankfulness approved? And Rachel said, But we will not complain, Though all life long, an alien, unsought third, She trouble our companionship of love. And Leah answered, No, complain we not, Though years on years she loiter in the tent, A fretful, vain, unprofitable wife. And Rachel answered, Ah! she little knows What in old days to Jacob Rachel was. And Leah said, And wilt thou dare to say, Because my lord was gracious to thee then, No deeper thought his riper cares hath claimed, No stronger purpose passed into his life? That, youth and maid once fondly, softly touched, Time’s years must still the casual dream repeat, And all the river far, from source to sea, One flitting moment’s chance reflection bear? Also she added, Who is she to judge Of thoughts maternal, and a father’s heart? And Rachel said, But what to supersede The rights which choice bestowed hath Leah done? What which my handmaid or which hers hath not? Is Simeon more than Naphtali? is Dan Less than his brother Levi in the house? That part that Billah and that Zilpah have, That, and no more, hath Leah in her lord; And let her with the same be satisfied. Leah asked then, And shall these things compare (Fond wishes, and the pastime, and the play) With serious aims and forward-working hopes— Aims as far-reaching as to earth’s last age, And hopes far-travelling as from east to west? Rachel replied, That love which in his youth, Through trial proved, consoles his perfect age; Shall this with project and with plan compare? Is not for-ever shorter than all time, And love more straitened than from east to west? Leah spake further, Hath my lord not told How, in the visions of the night, his God, The God of Abraham and of Isaac, spake And said, Increase, and multiply, and fill With sons to serve Me this thy land and mine; And I will surely do thee good, and make Thy seed as is the sand beside the sea, Which is not numbered for its multitude? Shall Rachel bear this progeny to God? But Rachel wept and answered, And if God Hath closed the womb of Rachel until now, Shall He not at His pleasure open it? Hath Leah read the counsels of the Lord? Was it not told her, in the ancient days, How Sarah, mother of great Israel’s sire, Lived to long years, insulted of her slave, Or e’er to light the Child of Promise came, Whom Rachel too to Jacob yet may bear?