Page:Prophecies of Thomas the Rhymer (3).pdf/22

 Tells how a neighbour lad came o'er the moor, To do some errands, and convoy her home. The cautious Mother marks the conscious flame, Sparkle in Jenny's eye, and flush her cheek; With heart-struck anxious care, inquires his name, While Jenny hesitates afraid to speak; Well pleas'd the Mother hears, it's no wild worthless rake. With kindly welcome, Jenny brings him in; A comely youth: her joy the Mother shews; Blythe Jenny sees the visit's no ill ta'en; The Father talks of horses, fields, and cows, The Youngster' sartless heart o'erflows with joy. But dash'd and bashful scarce can well behave. The Mother, with a woman's wiles can spy, What makes the Youth so bashful and so grave, Well-pleas'd to think her Child such suitor's like to have.

O happy Love! where Love like this is found O heart-felt pleasure! bliss beyond compare I've paced much this weary, mortal round, And sage experience, bids me thus declare— 'If Earth a draught of true delight can share One cordial in this melancholy Vale, 'Tis when a Youthful, loving, modest Pair, With hearts sincere breathe out the tender tale Walking o'er fragrant fields that scent the ev'ning gale.' Is there in human form, that bears a heart— A Wretch! a Villain! lost to love and truth That can, with studied, sly, ensnaring art, Betray sweet Jenny's unsuspecting youth! Woe to his perjur'd arts! dissembling, smooth Are Honour, Virtue, Conscience, all exil'd?