Page:The white doe of Rylstone - or, The fate of the Nortons. A poem (IA whitedoeofrylsto00wordrich).pdf/90

 She meets the insuperable bar, The injunction by her Brother laid; His parting charge—but ill obeyed! That interdicted all debate, All prayer for this cause or for that; All efforts that would turn aside The headstrong current of their fate: Her duty is to stand and wait; In resignation to abide The shock, and finally secure O’er pain and grief a triumph pure. —She knows, she feels it, and is cheared; At least her present pangs are checked. —And now an ancient Man appeared, Approaching her with grave respect. Down the smooth walk which then she trod He paced along the silent sod, And greeting her thus gently spake, “An old Man's privilege I take;