The Chosen

“A woman for whom great gods might strive!”

I said, and kissed her there:

And then I thought of the other five,

And of how charms outwear.

I thought of the first with her eating eyes,

And I thought of the second with hers, green-gray,

And I thought of the third, experienced, wise,

And I thought of the fourth who sang all day.

And I thought of the fifth, whom I'd called a jade.

And I thought of them all, tear-fraught;

And that each had shown her a passable maid,

Yet not of the favour sought.

So I traced these words on the bark of a beech,

Just at the falling of the mast:

“After scanning five; yes, each and each,

I've found the woman desired – at last!”