She spake with firmness—“I will Robert see,

Know what he wishes, and what I must be;” 340

For James had now discover’d to the maid

His inmost heart, and how he must be paid,

If he his lord would soften, and would hide

The facts that must the culprit’s fate decide.

“Go not,” he said—for she her full intent

Proclaime’d——To go she purposed, and she went;

She took a guide, and went with purpose stern

The secret wishes of her friend to learn.