XIX

Why did you fail to appear at the cot in the vineyard today, Love?

As I had promised I would, long I awaited you there.

“Dear, I had almost arrived when I saw, by good fortune, your uncle

Standing right there by the vines, looking now this way, now that.

Stealthily I slipped away.” —Alas, what a misapprehension!

You saw the scarecrow, that’s all. Nothing else drove you away.

Reeds and some discarded garments all hastily cobbled together—

I helped to make it myself: diligent in my own grief.

“Well, now his wish is fulfilled. The old gardner’s most dissolute crow has

Left on this day unscathed nice little garden and niece.”