She took my hand, and, as if naught of love Had ever been between us, said,--"All know The madness of that hour when with his glove He struck, then slew my brother, and brought woe On all our house: and thou, incensed above The rest, came here, and made my foe thy foe. But he had left. 'Twas then I promised thee My hand, but, ah! my heart was gone from me. XXVI "Yea, he had won me, this same Rupert, when He was our guest.--Thou know'st how gallantry And recklessness make heroes of most men To us weak women!--And so secretly I vowed to be his wife. It happened then My brother found him in some villainy; The insult followed: Guy was killed ... and thou Dost still remember how I made a vow.-- XXVII "But still this man pursued me, and I held Firm to my vow, albeit I loved him still, Unknown to all, with all the love unquelled Of first impressions, and against my will. At last despair of winning me compelled Him to the oath he swore: He would not kill, But take me living and would make my life A living death. No man should make me wife. XXVIII "The war, that now consumes us, did, indeed, Give him occasion.--I had not been warned, When down he came against me in the lead Of his marauders. With thy help I scorned His mad attacks two days. I would not plead Nor parley with him, who came hoofed and horned, Like Satan's self in soul, and, with Hell's aid, Took this strong house and kept the oath he made. XXIX "Months passed. Alas! it needs not here to tell What often thou hast heard: Of how he led His ruffians here now there; or what befell Me of dishonor. Oft I wished me dead, Loathing my life,--than which the nether Hell Hath less of horror!--So we fought or fled From place to place until a year had passed, And Parliament forces hemmed us in at last. XXX "Yea, I had only lived for this--to right With death my wrongs sometime. And love and hate Contended in my bosom when, that night Before the fight that should decide our fate, I entered where he slept. There was no light Save of the stars to see by. Long and late I leaned above him there, yet could not kill-- Hate raised the dagger but love held it still. XXXI "The woman in me conquered. What a slave To our emotions are we! To relent At this long-waited moment!--Wave on wave Of pitying weakness swept me, and I bent-- And kissed his face. Then prayed to God; and gave My trust to God; and left to God th' event.-- I never looked on Rupert's face again, For in the morning's combat--he was slain. XXXII