Where change never comes but the stars' unchangeable motion,
Nor end but endlessness there.
(9)
Beatrice, Beatrice, poor Beatrice,
She said, and laughed and tossed aside the book.
Once Dante saw her and his green bones shook
And that you say was love. Why love is—this—
She leaned above him in the sunlight there.
Poor Beatrice! The shadowy Florentine
Dissolved in shadow, and high heaven's queen
Drowned in the heavy darkness of dark hair.
Poor Beatrice—Poor Dante—did they miss
So much of love exalting love so much?
[ 12 ]
