The day appointed for the trial near
He view’d with shame, and not unmix’d with fear:— 410
James might deceive him; and, if not, the schemes
Of men may fail——“Can I depend on James?”
He might; for now the grievous price was paid—
James to the altar led the victim maid,
And gave the trembling girl his faithful word
For Robert’s safety; and so gave my lord.
But this, and all the promise hope could give,
Gilded not life—it was not joy to live;