§3

All was still (When) I broke the seal In dwindling Winter morning shades I knew a ransom must be paid out Apostasy, a curse on me? The weaker vessel secure under (the) grace of God Matrimonial locks, skeleton key She (would) pursue my gaze on her A dance within a masquerade The servants ransom culled and laid out From hereditary cornucopia This dire desire for wealth The lure of a prosperous well (I would vow) "The disfigured child won’t die young The hearts of us all she has won But you must leave here..." Silent curtsy, tearful bliss "God bless you" "Carnal shame, a secret treaty The lovers bond"