IV
The Contract
I gave myself to him,And took himself for pay.The solemn contract of a lifeWas ratified this way.
The wealth might disappoint,Myself a poorer proveThan this great purchaser suspect,The daily own of Love
Depreciate the vision;But, till the merchant buy,Still fable, in the isles of spice,The subtle cargoes lie.
At least, ‘t is mutual risk,—Some found it mutual gain;Sweet debt of Life,—each night to owe,Insolvent, every noon.