Now to the letter, and my story of it. The mother, Claire, Claire Claremont, as you know-- Pined for Allegra; would possess the child And take her from the convent--where? No doubt To Shelley's nest, where William Godwin's daughter Raised on free love, and Shelley preaching it, And Claire in whom 'tis bred, hold sway, who read, Talk, argue, dream of freedom, all the things Opposed to what is in the present order. You know the notes to "Queen Mab." Well, I say This suits me not. So Shelley and his wife, Mary, the planet of an hour, since quenched, Conceive I keep Allegra where she is From wounded pride, or pique. Hell fire! They think I'm hurt for thinking Claire and Shelley join Their lips in love, and masque my jealousy By just this pose of morals, make reprisal Under a lying flag, and keep Allegra To punish Claire and sate my jealousy By this hypocrisy--It makes me laugh. But to pursue. A maid who was discharged From Shelley's household told the credible tale That Claire was Shelley's mistress, and the Hoppners Heard and believed--why not? As she is fair, And Shelley wrote "Love is like understanding Which brighter grows gazing on many truths, Increases by division," that himself Could not accept the code, a man should choose One woman and leave all the rest, why not? As for myself, I have not preached this doctrine, Though living it as men do in the world.... Oh yes, I know this love called spiritual, Of which old maids, whose milk has gone to brain And curdled in the process, and who hate me For taking men and women as they are, Talk to create belief for self and others. Denial makes philosophies, religions. Indulgence leaves one sane, objectifies The eternal womanly, freeing brain of fumes, To work with master hands with love and life. The story rose, however. Then comes Shelley Bearing a letter from his wife, denying That Claire and Shelley loved, you understand-- By the flesh. Sweet, was it not? Naïve! This letter I should hand the Hoppners, who Believed the story, and who held a place Persuasive touching poor Allegra. Well, So Shelley comes and makes the point, the child Is in ill health, Claire, too, in a decline, And hands this letter to me for the Hoppners.