Where Anna dwelt, a conquering hero came-- An Irish captain, Sedley was his name; And he too had that same prevailing art, That gave soft wishes to the virgin’s heart. In years they differ’d; he had thirty seen When this young beauty counted just fifteen; But still they were a lovely lively pair, And trod on earth as if they trod on air. On love, delightful theme! the captain dwelt With force still growing with the hopes he felt; 110 But with some caution and reluctance told, He had a father crafty, harsh, and old; Who, as possessing much, would much expect, Or both, for ever, from his love reject: Why then offence to one so powerful give, Who (for their comfort) had not long to live? With this poor prospect the deluded maid, In words confiding, was indeed betray’d; And, soon as terrors in her bosom rose, The hero fled; they hinder’d his repose. 120 Deprived of him, she to a parent’s breast Her secret trusted, and her pains impress’d: Let her to town (so prudence urged) repair, To shun disgrace, at least to hide it there; But ere she went, the luckless damsel pray’d A chosen friend might lend her timely aid: “Yes! my soul’s sister, my Eliza, come, Hear her last sigh, and ease thy Anna’s doom:” “’Tis a fool’s wish,” the angry father cried, But, lost in troubles of his own, complied; 130 And dear Eliza to her friend was sent, T’ indulge that wish, and be her punishment: The time arrived, and brought a tenfold dread; The time was past, and all the terror fled; The infant died; the face resumed each charm, And reason now brought trouble and alarm: “Should her Eliza--no! she was too just, Too good and kind--but ah! too young to trust.” Anna return’d, her former place resumed, And faded beauty with new grace re-bloom’d; 140 And, if some whispers of the past were heard, They died innoxious, as no cause appear’d; But other cares on Anna’s bosom press’d, She saw her father gloomy and distress’d; He died o’erwhelm’d with debt, and soon was shed } The filial sorrow o’er a mother dead: } She sought Eliza’s arms, that faithful friend was wed; } Then was compassion by the countess shown, And all th’ adventures of her life are known. And now beyond her hopes--no longer tried 150 By slavish awe--she lived a yeoman’s bride; Then bless’d her lot, and with a grateful mind Was careful, cheerful, vigilant, and kind. The gentle husband felt supreme delight, Bless’d by her joy, and happy in her sight; He saw with pride in every friend and guest High admiration and regard express’d; With greater pride, and with superior joy, He look’d exulting on his first-born boy; To her fond breast the wife her infant strain’d, 160