For much the lady wrote, and often play’d; Beneath the window was a toilet spread, And a fire gleam’d upon a crimson bed.” He paused, he rose; with troubled joy the wife 580 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. 590 [8] The sovereign here meant is the Haroun Alraschid, or Harun al Rashid, who died early in the ninth century; he is often the hearer, and sometimes the hero, of a tale in the Arabian Nights’ Entertainments. TALE XVII. _RESENTMENT._ _She_ hath a tear for pity, and a hand Open as day for melting charity; Yet, notwithstanding, being incensed, is flint---- _Her_ temper, therefore, must be well observ’d. _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’s] 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 art of our necessities is strange, That can make vile things precious. _King Lear_, Act III. Scene 2. TALE XVII. _RESENTMENT._