Alas! obedience was an easy task,

So might he cherish what he meant to ask;

He ventured soon, for Love prepared his way,

He sought occasion, he forbad delay;

In spite of vow foregone he taught the youth

The looks of passion, and the words of truth; 440

In spite of woman’s caution, doubt, and fear,

He bade her credit all she wish’d to hear;

An honest passion ruled in either breast,

And both believed the truth that both profess’d.