Page:Aurora Leigh a Poem.djvu/278

To those I suffered. It was afterward
I shaped the resolution to the act.
For many hours we talked. What need to talk?
The fate was clear and close; it touched my eyes;
But still the generous lady tried to keep
The case afloat, and would not let it go,
And argued, struggled upon Marian’s side,
Which was not Romney’s! though she little knew
What ugly monster would take up the end,—
What griping death within the drowning death
Was ready to complete my sum of death.’
I thought,—Perhaps he’s sliding now the ring
Upon that woman’s finger . .
She went on:
‘The lady, failing to prevail her way,
Upgathered my torn wishes from the ground
And pieced them with her strong benevolence;
And, as I thought I could breathe freer air
Away from England, going without pause,
Without farewell,—just breaking with a jerk
The blossomed offshoot from my thorny life,—
She promised kindly to provide the means,
With instant passage to the colonies
And full protection,—‘would commit me straight
‘To one who once had been her waiting-maid
‘And had the customs of the world, intent
‘On changing England for Australia
‘Herself, to carry out her fortune so.’
For which I thanked the Lady Waldemar,