The strong temptation to her thought applied
Will gain new strength, and will not be denied;
The very threat against the thing we love
Will the vex’d spirit to resistance move;
With vows to virtue weakness will begin,
And fears of sinning let in thoughts of sin.”
Strong in her sense of weakness, now withdrew
The cautious lady from the lover’s view; 740
But she perceived the looks of all were changed—
Her kind old friends grew peevish and estranged;