Page:The Family Legend.pdf/57

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And wouldst thou so? so firm and valiant art thou? Forgive me, noble creature!—Oh! the fate— The wavward fate that binds thy gen'rous soul To poor unsteady weakness!

Speakst thou thus? Thus pressing still upon the galled spot? Thou deal'st unkindly with me. Yes, my brother, Unkindly and unwisely. Wherefore hast thou Brought to this coast the man thou knowest well I ought not in mysterious guise to see? And he himself—seeks he again to move The hapless weakness I have striv'n to conquer? I thought him generous.

So think him still. His wishes tend not to disturb thy peace: Far other are his thoughts,—He bids me tell thee, To cheer thy gentle heart, nor think of him, As one who will in vain and stubborn grief His ruin'd bliss lament,—he bids me say That he will even strive, if it be possible, Amongst the maidens of his land to seek