To gain a heart so fond, a hand so prized;
More gentle still she grew; to change her way
Would cause confusion, danger and delay:
Thus, (an increase of gentleness her mode,)
She took a plain, unvaried, certain road,
And every hour believed success was near,
Till there was nothing left to hope or fear.
100
It must be own'd that in this strife of hearts,
Man has advantage—has superior arts.