Psyche herself, in slow and balanced strain, Poising the crystal bowl with fearful heed, Her eyes at watch upon the steadied plane, And whole soul gather'd in the single deed. Onward she came, and stooping to the floor Set down the cup unspill'd and brimming o'er At Aphrodite's feet, and rose up freed. 5 Surprise o'ercame the goddess, and she too Stood like a statue, but with passion pale: Till, when her victim nothing spake, she threw Some kindness in her voice, and bade her hail; But in the smiling judge 'twas plain to see-- Saying 'What water bringst thou here to me?'-- That justice over hate should not prevail. 6 Then Psyche said 'This is the biting flood Of black Cocytus, silver'd with the gleam Of souls, that guilty of another's blood Are pent therein, and as they swim they scream. The hornèd snakes of hell, upon the mount Enchain'd, for ever guard the livid fount: And but the Fates can grant to touch the stream.' 7 'Wherefore,' the goddess cried, ''tis plain that none But one I wot of coud this thing have wrought. That which another doth may well be done, Nor thou the nearer to my promise brought. Thou buildest on a hope to be destroy'd, If thou accept conditions, and avoid Thy parcel, nor thyself accomplish aught. 8 'Was it not kindness in me, being averse To all thy wish, to yield me thus to grant Thy heart's desire,--and nothing loathe I worse,-- If thou wouldst only work as well as want? See, now I will not yet be all denial, But offer thee one last determining trial; And let it be a mutual covenant: 9 'This box,' and in her hands she took a pyx Square-cut, of dark obsidian's rarest green, 'Take; and therewith beyond Tartarean Styx Go thou, and entering Hades' house obscene, Say to Persephonè, _If 'tis thy will To shew me so much favour, prithee fill This little vase with beauty for Love's queen_. 10 '_She begs but what shall well o'erlast a day; For of her own was much of late outspent In nursing of her son, in bed who lay Wounded by me, who for the gift am sent._ Then bring me what she gives, and with all speed; For truth to say I stand, thou seest, in need Of some such charm in my disparagement. 11 'If thou return to me with that acquist, Having thyself the journey made, I swear That day to give thee whatsoe'er thou list, An be it my son. Now, Psyche, wilt thou dare?' And Psyche said 'If this thou truly mean, I will go down to Tartarus obscene, And beg of Hades' queen thy beauty there. 12