But, or by prudence or by pity moved, 180

She thought it time his folly was reproved;

Then took her measures, not perchance without

Some conscious pride in what she was about.

Along the brook with gentle pace they go,

The Youth unconscious of th’ impending woe;

And oft he urged the absent Maid to talk,

As she was wont in many a former walk;

And still she slowly walk’d beside the brook,

Or look’d around—for what could Fanny look?