All trace of comfort vanish’d; if she spoke,

The noisy friend upon her purpose broke;

To her remarks with insolence replied,

And her assertions doubted or denied:

While the meek Anna like an infant shook,

Woe-struck and trembling at the serpent’s look.

“There is,” said Stafford, “yes, there is a cause -

This creature frights her, overpowers, and awes.”

Six weeks had pass’d - “In truth, my love, this friend

Has liberal notions; what does she intend?