"And a free pardon the glad Boy restored "That traitor-Friend, whom pains nor pray'rs could move; "Who raised the fears no mortal could endure, "And then with cruel av'rice sold the cure. My tale is ended; but, to be applied, "I must describe the place where Caliphs hide.” Here both the Females look'd alarm'd, distress'd, With hurried passions hard to be express'd. "It was a closet by a chamber placed, "Where slept a Lady of no vulgar taste; "Her Friend attended in that chosen Room “That she had honour'd and proclaim'd her Home; "To please the eye were chosen pictures placed, "And some light volumes to amuse the taste; "Letters and music on a table laid, "For much the Lady wrote, and often play'd; He paused, he rose; with troubled joy the Wife Felt the new era of her changeful life; Frankness and love appear'd in Stafford's face, And all her trouble to delight gave place. Twice made the Guest an effort to sustain Her feelings, twice resumed her seat in vain, Nor could suppress her shame, nor could support her pain: Quick she retired, and all the dismal night Thought of her guilt, her folly, and her flight; Then sought unseen her miserable home, To think of comforts lost, and brood on wants to come. TALE XVII. RESENTMENT. She hath a tear for pity, and a hand Open as day for melting charity; Yet, notwithstanding, being incensed, is flint- 2 Henry IV. Act IV. Scene 4. Three or four wenches where I stood cried--" Alas! good soul!" and forgave him with all their hearts: but there is no heed to be taken of them: if Cæsar had stabb'd their mothers, they would have done no less. Julius Cæsar, Act I. Scene 2. How dost? Art cold? I'm cold myself Where is the straw, my fellow? The act of our necessities is strange, That can make vile things precious. King Lear, Act III. Scene 2. VOL. II. L |