But ere they sat to feast, Zeus bade them fill The cup ambrosial of immortal life, And said 'If Psyche drink,--and 'tis my will,-- There is an end of this unhappy strife. Nor can the goddess, whose mislike had birth From too great honour paid the bride on earth, Forbid her any more for Eros' wife.' 22 Then Aphrodite said 'So let it be.' And Psyche was brought in, with such a flush Of joy upon her face, as there to see Was fairer to love's eye than beauty's blush. And then she drank the eternal wine, whose draught Can Terror cease: which flesh hath never quafft, Nor doth it flow from grape that mortals crush. 23 And next stood Eros forth, and took her hand, And kisst her happy face before them all: And Zeus proclaim'd them married, and outban'd From heaven whoever should that word miscall. And then all sat to feast, and one by one Pledged Psyche ere they drank and cried _Well done!_ And merry laughter rang throughout the hall. 24 So thus was Eros unto Psyche wed, The heavenly bridegroom to his earthly bride, Who won his love, in simple maidenhead: And by her love herself she glorified, And him from wanton wildness disinclined; Since in his love for her he came to find A joy unknown through all Olympus wide. 25 And Psyche for her fall was quite forgiven, Since 'gainst herself when tempted to rebel, By others' malice on her ruin driven, Only of sweet simplicity she fell:-- Wherein who fall may fall unto the skies;-- And being foolish she was yet most wise, And took her trials patiently and well. 26 And Aphrodite since her full defeat Is kinder and less jealous than before, And smiling on them both, calls Psyche sweet; But thinks her son less manly than of yore: Though still she holds his arm of some renown, When he goes smiting mortals up and down, Piercing their marrow with his weapons sore. 27 _So now in steadfast love and happy state_ They hold for aye their mansion in the sky, And send down heavenly peace on those who mate, In virgin love, to find their joy thereby: Whom gently Eros shooteth, and apart Keepeth for them from all his sheaf that dart Which Psyche in his chamber pickt to try. 28 Now in that same month Psyche bare a child, Who straight in heaven was named Hedonè In mortal tongues by other letters styled; Whom all to love, however named, agree: Whom in our noble English JOY we call, And honour them among us most of all, Whose happy children are as fair as she. 29 _ENVOY_ IT IS MY PRAYER THAT SHE MAY SMILE ON ALL WHO READ MY TALE AS SHE HATH SMILED ON ME. THE GROWTH OF LOVE [Illustration: decoration] _PREVIOUS EDITIONS_ 1. _XXIV Sonnets. Ed. Bumpus, 1876._