I wonder, did you guess, you sitting there
A woman grown, so gracious, tranquil, fair,
You with your jewels that you still caress
As though all loath to leave your loveliness,
That you would soon those pearls nor hold nor wear,
I wonder, did you guess?
Your little salve, who waiting stands to bear
Your gems away - that she, all unaware,
Should be the Spoiler's symbol none the less,
I wonder, did you guess?
That you must leave the golden upper air,
Soon to the underworld's vague meadows fare,
Death yet conceding with strange tenderness
To you, of jeweled hours the shepherdess,
A passing fragrant-sad beyond compare,
I wonder, did you guess?