Most to its love became the most my foe. Such self-conviction stung me at the heart O’erpowered I fell, and what I then became She knoweth who had furnished me the cause. Then, when the heart restored my outward sense, The lady I had found alone, above me 1136 I saw, and she was saying, “Hold me, hold me.” Up to my throat she in the stream had drawn me, And, dragging me behind her, she was moving 1137 Upon the water lightly as a shuttle. When I was near unto the blessed shore, “ Asperges me ,” I heard so sweetly sung, 1138 Remember it I cannot, much less write it. The beautiful lady opened wide her arms, Embraced my head, and plunged me underneath, Where I was forced to swallow of the water. Then forth she drew me, and all dripping brought Into the dance of the four beautiful, 1139