Page:Poems Shore.djvu/155

Of wonder, joy, and terror together seemed
To kindle all her stillness into fire.
Her lips part and her hands are clasped, and he,
"Pardon, I seek this rebel."—All at once
Her face changed, and in quick low tones abrupt
She spoke to him, "Your dog will not come back;
He has chosen me instead."
He has chosen me instead."He called, and still
His favourite closer to the lady pressed,
While he with the vexed master's instinct strove
Some moments longer 'gainst the counter-charm,
Loth to be foiled, and called and called in vain—
Then yielded smiling, though reluctantly;
"The dog is yours since he has made his choice."
"And now," said she, "Osiris is his name."
And on the pretty, happy, new-found friend—
His tawny shagginess quivering at her touch—
She shed such smile as the sweet Elfin Queen
Sheds on her last babe-changeling; then with eyes
Fixed on the stranger for a moment's space
In silence, "Come," said she with grave command,
"Come now and see my garden."
"Come now and see my garden."Instantly,
Wondering and smiling at himself the while,
But reverent of her strange simplicity,
Obedient as the dog he followed her.

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