III.
But Heaven, I ween, had sent the gallant youth
To rescue Innocence in that dread hour,
And show transcendent courage, manhood, truth
O’er hell-born passion’s momentary power!
He seized her hand—at first from him, her tower
Of strength in peril, she withdrew in fear;
But in his eyes she looked, and when the flower
Of generous youth and beauty stood so near,
Her awe dissolved—her face was bright ’mid many a tear.