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"Drink to e with mine;

Or leave a kiss but in the cup,

And I'll not look for wine

The thirst that froht I of Jove's nectar sup,

I would not change for thine"

He alot aith it Belle's eyes misted up, and when he said the part about the kiss in the cup, her right hand strayed involuntarily to her heart

"Oh, John," she sighed

Then disaster struck

Persephone descended the stairs

"John!" she cried out in a delighted voice "That is my absolute favorite! How did you know?"

John lowered his head and clenched his fists at his sides Belle shifted her hand from her heart to her hip

"My father used to recite that to my mother all the time," Persephone continued, her cheeks rosy "It never failed to ine," Belle muttered

John looked up at her, his expression sheepish

"And it was especially appropriate, you know," Persephone added, "as her name was Celia, God rest her soul"

"Appropriate?" Belle asked, her eyes never leaving John's As for hi: To Celia,' after all By Ben Jonson," Persephone said with a smile

"Is it now?" Belle said wryly "John, who is Celia?"

"Why, Persephone'sa straight face "Well, I'lad that Jonson wrote the verse I'd hate to think that you riting poetry to someone named Celia, John"

"Oh, I don't know, Celia's a fine name, I think"

Belle offered him a sickly sweet smile "I think you'll find that Belle is far easier to rhye Now then, Persephone-that would be a poehed

"Persephone… Hmmant"

Belle couldn't help but be swept away by John's good humor "How about lemon tree?" she offered

"That has definite possibilities I shall have to get to work on it i,John's arm in a maternal fashion "I had no idea you were such an admirer of Ben Jonson He is a particular favorite of h it is rather wicked"