Page:Poems of Sentiment and Imagination.djvu/196

192 It was as well; the evil in his breast Had quenched the starry light of love forever; Tlie fate of one so good and beautiful Must not be blended with so dark a fate. With a chill, bitter smile, he answered her:


 * I much regret this knowledge comes so late;
 * I did not dream your missive was a jest!
 * But even in jest there sometimes lurks a fate,
 * Pieventing love like ours from being blest;
 * And as I deemed you earnest, I had thought
 * It was as well to seek another bride.
 * The message with such just rebukings fraught
 * Was only play—you did not mean to chide?


 * Most highly I approve your faith and trust;
 * Nor caught nor held by slander's secret spring—
 * What was it about stooping to the dust—
 * Or 'bout an eagle with a dirty wing?
 * Have you repented of your cruelty?
 * Have you forgotten what you so detest?
 * And do you prize me more than purity?
 * I can not realize I am so blest!


 * But think not, pretty puritan, I could
 * Require the sacrifice that you must make
 * Of friends' approval and of all that's good
 * For a low lover's most unworthy sake.
 * No! no! the proffered bliss I must decline,
 * Though it should break my heart to say farewell!
 * Yet, if for love of me you still should pine,
 * I'll wed thee out of pity, fair Adel!"


 * Back from his bosom had the maiden sprang

As his first words startled her 'wildered ear, And stood up calm and strong, but deathly pale; And when his sneering lips grew bitterer still, Her slender form grew stronger in its pride;