But at that sight out burst the smothered flame Of love, when he remembered all her shame, The stripes, the labour, and the wretched fear, And kneeling down he whispered in her ear, "Rise, Psyche, and be mine for evermore, For evil is long tarrying on this shore." Then when she heard him, straightway she arose, And from her fell the burden of her woes; And yet her heart within her well-nigh broke, When she from grief to happiness awoke; And loud her sobbing was in that grey place, And with sweet shame she covered up her face. But her dear hands, all wet with tears, he kissed, And taking them about each dainty wrist Drew them away, and in a sweet voice said, "Raise up again, O Psyche, that dear head, And of thy simpleness have no more shame; Thou hast been tried, and cast away all blame Into the sea of woes that thou didst bear, The bitter pain, the hopelessness, the fear-- Holpen a little, loved with boundless love Amidst them all--but now the shadows move Fast toward the west, earth's day is well-nigh done, One toil thou hast yet; by to-morrow's sun Kneel the last time before my mother's feet, Thy task accomplished; and my heart, O sweet, Shall go with thee to ease thy toilsome way; Farewell awhile! but that so glorious day I promised thee of old, now cometh fast, When even hope thy soul aside shall cast, Amidst the joy that thou shalt surely win." So saying, all that sleep he shut within The dreadful casket, and aloft he flew, But slowly she unto the cavern drew Scarce knowing if she dreamed, and so she came Unto the earth where yet the sun did flame Low down between the pine-trunks, tall and red, And with its last beams kissed her golden head. * * * * *