Love's Warfare

"And are these cold, light words your last?" he said, 
And rose, his face made pale with outraged love. 
She answered gayly, "Are they not enough?"
And lightly laughed until his spirit bled, 
While snake-like on his grief her beauty fed. 
He looked upon her face once more for proof; 
Then through and through his lips the sharp teeth drove, 
Till with the bitter dew of blood made red. 

At length he said, "And so 'twas but a jest, — 
A well-conceived, well-executed plan; 
Yet now may God forgive you, if God can!"
And, passing, left her calm and self-possessed. 
She watched him cross the lawn with eyes bent low. 
Where she had kissed his face one hour ago.