10. Self-Control, and a Response

His face went flat, his nostrils flared,
His fingers flexed on open air.
He breathed one breath, then let it loose,
And turned until
- his gaze met hers, -
- level, still. -

'Lady, love's no jealous joy
'But loss may lack the secret strength
'That helps the heart with calm control
- 'relinquish what it -
- 'cannot cherish whole.' -

'Much less is love a cruel king,'
'Though fairest fondest doting dreams
'Adrift may dash, a sullen surf
'Of rage,'
- 'the clash of willful innocence -
- 'with proud and stubborn age.' -

'And least of all is love a cell
'Sealed, secure though flower-filled.'
'Yet madness marches fleet with fear
'For those we cherish:'
- 'fears to free them,'
- 'lest they perish.'

'Alas! Alas! Heroic hearts
'May live by love for love alone!'
'So Lúthien lived - so Lúthien loved:
'A single-minded soul
- 'implacably devoted -
- 'to her single-minded goal.' -