In terror of bloodguiltiness she now Forgot all other danger; she adjured, Or using playfulness deep sobs would plow Her soft entreaties, not to be endured: Till he at last was fain once more to grant The service of the Zephyr, to enchant That wicked couple from their fate assured. 24 So ere 'twas noon were noises at the door Of knocking loud and voices high in glee; Such as within that vale never before Had been, and now seem'd most unmeet to be. And Psyche blush'd, though being alone, and rose To meet her sisters and herself unclose The gate that made them of her palace free. 25 Fondly she kiss'd them, and with kindly cheer Sought to amuse; and they with outward smile O'ermask'd their hate, and called her sweet and dear, Finding affection easy to beguile: And all was smooth, until at last one said 'Tell us, I pray, to whom 'tis thou art wed; 'Mong gods or men, what is his rank and style? 26 'Thou canst not think to hide the truth from us, Who knew thy peevish sorrows when a maid, And see thee now so glad and rapturous, As changed from what thou wert as light from shade; Thy jewels, too, the palace of a king, Nor least the serviceable spiriting, By everything thy secret is betray'd: 27 'And yet thou talkest of thy wondrous man No more than if his face thou didst not know.' At which incontinently she began, Forgetful of her word a month ago, Answering 'A merchant rich, of middle age, My husband is; and o'er his features sage His temples are already touch'd with snow. 28 'But 'gainst his wish since hither ye were brought 'Twere best depart.' Then her accustom'd spell Sped them upon the summit quick as thought; And being alone her doing pleased her well: So was she vext to find her love at night More sad than ever, of her sisters' spite Speaking as one that coud the end foretell. 29 'And ere long,' said he, 'they will spy again: Let them be dash'd upon the rocks and die; 'Tis they must come to death or thou to pain, To separation, Psyche, thou and I; Nay, and our babe to ill. I therefore crave Thou wilt not even once more these vipers save, Nor to thy love his only boon deny.' 30 But Psyche would not think her sisters' crime So gross and strange, nor coud her danger see; Since 'twere so easy, if at any time They show'd the venom of their hearts, that she Should fan them off upon the willing gust. So she refused, and claiming truer trust, Would in no wise unto their death agree. JULY 1