she is still a child, my lord.

she runs about your palace and plays, and tries to make of you a plaything as well.

she heeds not when her hair tumbles down and her careless garment drags in the dust.

she falls asleep when you speak to her and answers not—and the flower you give her in the morning slips to the dust from her hands.

when the storm bursts and darkness is over the sky she is sleepless; her dolls lie scattered on the earth and she clings to you in terror.

she is afraid that she may fail in service to you.

but with a smile you watch her at her game.

you know her.

the child sitting in the dust is your destined bride; her play will be stilled and deepened into love.