AND when he needed her, she felt new life
Engage her cells; increase her spirit’s power.
She seized the doubtful wand of being wife,
And laughed with pleasure that his dreadful hour
Would not be dreadful now - not if she could
By magic somehow intercept his mood.
Though she succeeded, no least thought of praise
Really belonged to her. The ancient part
Of women taught her, and from ancient days
I know she understood with all her heart
That when she needed him he could not talk,
And either went to sleep or for a walk.