The Matron ceased; and Colin stood the while
Silent, but striving for a grateful smile;
He then replied - “Ah! sure, had Jesse stay’d,
And shared the comforts of our sylvan shade,
The tenderest duty and the fondest love
Would not have fail’d that generous heart to move;
A grateful pity would have ruled her breast,
And my distresses would have made me bless’d.
“But she is gone, and ever has in view
Grandeur and taste, - and what will then ensue?