But Heav’n had mercy, and my need at length

Urged me to labour, and renew’d my strength.

I strove for patience as a sinner must,

Yet felt th’ opinion of the world unjust:

There was my lover, in his joy esteem’d,

And I, in my distress, as guilty deemed;

Yet sure, not all the guilt and shame belong

To her who feels and suffers for the wrong:

The cheat at play may use the wealth he’s won,

But is not honour’d for the mischief done;