Herbert broke our engagement of eight years br When Annabelle returned to the village br From the Seminary, ah me! br If I had let my love for him alone br It might have grown into a beautiful sorrow -- br Who knows? -- filling my life with healing fragrance. br But I tortured it, I poisoned it, br I blinded its eyes, and it became hatred -- br Deadly ivy instead of clematis. br And my soul fell from its support, br Its tendrils tangled in decay. br Do not let the will play gardener to your soul br Unless you are sure br It is wiser than your soul's nature.