Her cares and comforts, and no more forsake; 340 Now shall we both in equal station move, Save that my friend enjoys a husband’s love.” Complaint and threats so strong the wife amazed, Who wildly on her cottage-neighbour gazed; Her tones, her trembling, first betray’d her grief; When floods of tears gave anguish its relief. She fear’d that Stafford would refuse assent, And knew her selfish friend would not relent; She must petition, yet delay’d the task, Ashamed, afraid, and yet compell’d to ask; 350 Unknown to him some object filled her mind, And, once suspicious, he became unkind.-- They sate one evening, each absorb’d in gloom, } When, hark! a noise and rushing to the room, } The friend tripp’d lightly in, and laughing said, “I come.” } Anna received her with an anxious mind, And meeting whisper’d, “Is Eliza kind?” Reserved and cool, the husband sought to prove The depth and force of this mysterious love. To nought that pass’d between the stranger-friend 360 And his meek partner seem’d he to attend; But, anxious, listen’d to the lightest word That might some knowledge of his guest afford; And learn the reason one to him so dear Should feel such fondness, yet betray such fear. Soon he perceived this uninvited guest, Unwelcome too, a sovereign power possess’d; Lofty she was and careless, while the meek And humbled Anna was afraid to speak: As mute she listen’d with a painful smile, 370 Her friend sate laughing and at ease the while, Telling her idle tales with all the glee Of careless and unfeeling levity. With calm good sense he knew his wife endued, And now with wounded pride her conduct view’d; Her speech was low, her every look convey’d-- “I am a slave, subservient and afraid.” All trace of comfort vanish’d if she spoke; The noisy friend upon her purpose broke, To her remarks with insolence replied, 380 And her assertions doubted or denied; While the meek Anna like an infant shook, Wo-struck and trembling at the serpent’s look. “There is,” said Stafford, “yes, there is a cause-- This creature frights her, overpowers and awes.” Six weeks had pass’d--“In truth, my love, this friend Has liberal notions; what does she intend? Without a hint she came, and will she stay Till she receives the hint to go away?” Confused the wife replied, in spite of truth, 390 “I love the dear companion of my youth.” “’Tis well,” said Stafford; “then your loves renew; Trust me, your rivals, Anna, will be few.” Though playful this, she felt too much distress’d T’ admit the consolation of a jest; Ill she reposed, and in her dreams would sigh And, murmuring forth her anguish, beg to die;