Should the fair mistress deign with thee to wed.”

John saw not this; and many a week had pass’d,

While the vain beauty held her victim fast;

The Noble Friend still condescension show’d,

And, as before, with praises overflowed;

But his grave Lady took a silent view

Of all that pass’d, and smiling, pitied too.

Cold grew the foggy morn, the day was brief,

Loose on the cherry hung the crimson leaf;

The dew dwelt ever on the herb; the woods