And, as he press’d, he felt it was his own.

Soon through the house was known the glad assent;

The night so dreaded was in comfort spent; 900

War was no more, the destined knot was tied,

And the fond widow made a fearful bride.


Let mortal frailty judge how mortals frail }

Thus in their strongest resolutions fail, }

And, though we blame, our pity will prevail. }

Yet, with that Ghost—for so she thought—in view,