My stolen lore raised me above my fellows. Everything but love Was mine, respect, authority. The jealous Churchmen dared not move. Our infant realm could not dispense with me, its shield and main defence. I knew the Damascene recipe for making steel, and made it cheap. My mind was fertile in resorts. I spent the pilgrims' fees on forts, And settled, for their skill in trade, Venetian slavers at our ports. Howbeit I trembled lest our main enthusiasm should be for gain. I stripped myself to work against the working of the money-brain. And I was glad I passed for mad and single-eyed as Galahad. I sacrificed in saving Christ the profit that I might have had. Nothing that I could do availed. My tongue grew bitter, girded, railed. My labour only builded Me, but not the kingdom. So I failed. Our Viscounts could but show their gums, while from Aleppo, Hama, Homs, The foe crept onward like the months, culling our conquests like ripe plums. For all response in Chastel Blanc and towering Markab-of-the-Sea Some clerkly knight in red-crossed white recited magic formulæ; Then darkly hinted science, hell and I were leagued, because their spell Would not or could not stave the blow that I foresaw. Edessa fell. Curse our degenerate Poullains! The breed had need of spurs not reins. To stand an empty sack upright was easier than to warm their veins Save with amours. One night I knelt to pray; but on the battlement Hard by a lordling twanged a harp. I smelt the bastard's eastern scent. He thought his leman lay behind my casement, where the jasmin twined And almost jingled.... Oh the woods at home and whitethroats calling blind! _Suppose you left that window and came down To meet me. Do not turn away. Also you need not frown. I only say: "Suppose."_ _Suppose--you are a woman of resource-- The fastenings of your door undone. No! They are not.... Of course! But, just for fun, Suppose._ _Suppose that--safe among the trees below The terraces--you chanced to find ... Impossible!... I know, But never mind. Suppose._ _Suppose that--being there--an eager arm Drew you towards the little dell.... Why redden? Where's the harm? You might as well Suppose...._