§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"