As on they moved, a wood was in the way,

Where robbers often waited for their prey;

The villain whom the husband had employed,

Sent forward those whose company annoyed,

And would prevent his execrable plan;

The last of horrid crimes.—disgrace to man!

No sooner had the wretch his orders told,

But Argia vanished—none could her behold;

The beauteous belle was quickly lost to view:

A cloud, the fairy Manto o'er her threw.