T
he Serpent of the White Rose (5)

　

ndles burned in silver sticks inside,
Dropping a smoky, golden light upon
The Serpent, veiled at the altar. "Uncover, " I said.
"I will not marry a thing I have not seen,"
And tore away his veil. Ten tiered he stood,
Imperial, emerald crrowned, the glowing sheen.

Of his coils green and silver, magnificent scales
Impregnable all down the jeweled labyrinth
Of his armed body. And how should a silly, pale
Maiden behave? Folly to play my strength
Against this mighty prince. Abashed, I fell
To my knees. And there I found myself at length

Married, and my poor vanity cast low
Before his terrible beauty. At night, when we were left
Alone in the marriage chamber, what would I do?
In the stillness after the guests had gone? Or how,
Alas, presume to give him such a gift?

The hour came. I was brought to the room where lay
The switches, the bath or milk, the bridal bed.
Attendants unfastened and folded my gown away
And left me, folly fallen, wreathed with red
And white roses, for death and love, as day
Slowly upen the mullioned windows died.

　

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