Page:The works of Anna Laetitia Barbauld volume 1.djvu/238

154 Think how thy trembling heart had felt affright, Had not our master supped abroad that night. On the smooth whitewashed ceiling near thy bed, Mixed with thine own, is Anna's cypher read; From wreaths of dusky smoke the letters flow;— Whose hand the waving candle held, I know. Fines and jobations shall thy soul appall, Whene'er our mistress spies the sullied wall. Unconned her lesson once, in idle mood, Trembling before the master, Anna stood; I marked what prompter near her took his place, And, whispering, saved the virgin from disgrace: Much is the youth belied, and much the maid, Or more than words the whisper soft conveyed. Think not I blush to own so bright a flame, Even boys for her assume the lover's name;—