Of quick delight, like to the lambent flash

Of summer lightning, he beheld that blush,

So meek and rosy, and with instinct true

His soul divined its meaning. With a word

Of rapid whisper in Matilda’s ear,

He bad that sister hasten to bring forth

Her promised verse; whilst he awhile withdrew

From the gay circle, that in solitude

He might indulge the overpowering thought

Which filled his raptured breast. His joy intense,