He read as learned clerks are wont to read;
Solemn he was in tone, and slow in pace,
By nature gifted both with strength and grace. 130
Black parted locks his polish’d forehead press’d;
His placid looks an easy mind confess’d;
His smile content, and seldom more, convey’d— }
Not like the smile of fair illusive maid, }
When what she feels is hid, and what she wills betray’d. }
The lighter damsels call’d his manner prim,
And laugh’d at virtue so array’d in him;