This exclamation once was made By one who had obtained the name Of young forgetful Adelaide; And while she spoke, lo! Memory came-- If Memory indeed it were, Or such it only feign’d to be: A female figure came to her Who said, “My name is Memory! “Gold purchases in me no share, Nor do I dwell in distant land; Study, and thought, and watchful care In every place may me command. “I am not lightly to be won; A visit only now I make; And much must by yourself be done Ere me you for an inmate take. “The only substitute for me Was ever found, is call’d a pen; The frequent use of that will be The way to make me come again.” [Illustration] [Illustration: SALOME] XIX Once on a charger there was laid And brought before a royal maid, As price of attitude and grace, A guiltless head, a holy face. It was on Herod’s natal day, Who o’er Judæa’s land held sway. He married his own brother’s wife, Wicked Herodias. She the life Of John the Baptist long had sought Because he openly had taught That she a life unlawful led Having her husband’s brother wed. This was he, that saintly John, Who in the wilderness alone Abiding, did for clothing wear A garment made of camel’s hair; Honey and locusts were his food And he was most severely good. He preached penitence and tears And waking first the sinner’s fears, Prepared a path, made smooth a way For his diviner Master’s day. Herod kept in princely state His birthday. On his throne he sate, After the feast, beholding her Who danced with grace peculiar; Fair Salome, who did excel All in that land for dancing well. The feastful monarch’s heart was fired, And whatsoe’er thing she desired, Though half his kingdom it should be, He in his pleasure swore that he Would give the graceful Salome. The damsel was Herodias’ daughter: She to the queen hastes, and besought her To teach her what great gift to name. Instructed by Herodias, came The damsel back; to Herod said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head; And in a charger let it be Hither straightway brought to me.” Herod her suit would fain deny, But for his oath’s sake must comply. [Illustration]