And softly said, “Sir, let me understand.”
“Nay, my dear lady! what can words explain,
If all my looks and actions plead in vain?
I love”—She show’d a cool, respectful air;
And he began to falter in his prayer, 220
Yet urged her kindness—-Kindness she confess’d;
It was esteem; she felt it, and express’d,
For her dear father’s friend; and was it right
That friend of his—she thought of hers—to slight?
This to the wond’ring lover strange and new,