XVIII. A False Red

"What is this here?

How now, White Deer,

You come so near

Without a fear?"

 

The demon shouts,

He growls and snarls,

"What's this about,

Lord of Morals?"

 

Prince Iv'ry grins

And holds me close.

His speech begins,

And so he boasts:

 

"Young Scarlet here

Is what you'd fear:

She brought me right

Into the night.

 

"We died her hair,

Yes, I declare,

From light to red:

A false red."