In female hearts,—when hopes and fears are strong,
And ’tis a fatal step to place them wrong; 50
For childish fancies now have ta’en their flight,
And love’s impressions are no longer light.
Just at this time—what time I do not tell—
There came a Stranger in the place to dwell;
He seem’d as one who sacred truth reveres,
And like her own his sentiments and years;
His person manly, with engaging mien;
His spirit quiet, and his looks serene.