V

She stands smiling at him, shyly, then speaks:

How many words in the asking! How easily I can grieve you!-- My “yes” in a “no” was a-masking, Nor thought, dear, to deceive you.-- A kiss?--the humming-bird happiness here In my heart consents.... But what are words, When the thought of two souls in speech accords? Affirmative, negative--what are they, dear? I wished to say “yes,” but somehow said “no.” The woman within me knew you would know, Knew that your heart would hear.

He speaks:

So many words in the doing!-- Therein you could not deceive me; Some things are sweeter for the pursuing: I knew what you meant, believe me.-- Bunched bells of the blush pomegranate, to fix At your throat.... Six drops of fire they are.... Will you look--where the moon and its following star Rise silvery over yon meadow ricks? While I hold--while I bend your head back, so.... For I know it is “yes” though you whisper “no,” And my kisses, sweet, are six.