All things her faithful slaves had brought them there, Given amid kisses, made them not more glad; Since in their hearts the ravening worm they had That love slays not, nor yet is satisfied While aught but he has aught; yet still they tried To look as they deemed loving folk should look, And still with words of love her bounty took. So at the last all being apparelléd, Her sisters to the banquet Psyche led, Fair were they, and each seemed a glorious queen With all that wondrous daintiness beseen, But Psyche clad in gown of dusky blue Little adorned, with deep grey eyes that knew The hidden marvels of Love's holy fire, Seemed like the soul of innocent desire, Shut from the mocking world, wherefrom those twain Seemed come to lure her thence with labour vain. Now having reached the place where they should eat, Ere 'neath the canopy the three took seat, The eldest sister unto Psyche said, "And he, dear love, the man that thou hast wed, Will he not wish to-day thy kin to see? Then could we tell of thy felicity The better, to our folk and father dear." Then Psyche reddened, "Nay, he is not here," She stammered, "neither will be here to-day, For mighty matters keep him far away." "Alas!" the younger sister said, "Say then, What is the likeness of this first of men; What sayest thou about his loving eyne, Are his locks black, or golden-red as thine?" "Black-haired like me," said Psyche stammering, And looking round, "what say I? like the king Who rules the world, he seems to me at least-- Come, sisters, sit, and let us make good feast! My darling and my love ye shall behold I doubt not soon, his crispy hair of gold, His eyes unseen; and ye shall hear his voice, That in my joy ye also may rejoice."