That lady’s fall, if she should stoop to thee.”-- “The cases differ.”--“True! for what surprise Could from thy marriage with the maid arise? But through the island would the shame be spread, Should the fair mistress deign with thee to wed.” John saw not this; and many a week had pass’d, 420 While the vain beauty held her victim fast; The noble friend still condescension show’d, And, as before, with praises overflow’d; But his grave lady took a silent view Of all that pass’d, and, smiling, pitied too. Cold grew the foggy morn; the day was brief; Loose on the cherry hung the crimson leaf; The dew dwelt ever on the herb; the woods Roar’d with strong blasts, with mighty showers the floods; All green was vanish’d, save of pine and yew, 430 That still display’d their melancholy hue; Save the green holly with its berries red, And the green moss that o’er the gravel spread. To public views my lord must soon attend; And soon the ladies--would they leave their friend? The time was fix’d--approach’d--was near--was come, The trying time that fill’d his soul with gloom. Thoughtful our poet in the morning rose, And cried, “One hour my fortune will disclose; Terrific hour! from thee have I to date 440 Life’s loftier views, or my degraded state; For now to be what I have been before Is so to fall, that I can rise no more.” The morning meal was past, and all around The mansion rang with each discordant sound; Haste was in every foot, and every look The trav’ller’s joy for London-journey spoke. Not so our youth; whose feelings, at the noise Of preparation, had no touch of joys; He pensive stood, and saw each carriage drawn, 450 With lackeys mounted, ready on the lawn. The ladies came; and John in terror threw One painful glance, and then his eyes withdrew; Not with such speed, but he in other eyes With anguish read--“I pity but despise-- Unhappy boy! presumptuous scribbler!--you To dream such dreams!--be sober, and adieu!” Then came the noble friend--“And will my lord Vouchsafe no comfort? drop no soothing word? Yes, he must speak:” he speaks, “My good young friend,-- You know my views; upon my care depend; 461 My hearty thanks to your good father pay, And be a student.--Harry, drive away.” Stillness reign’d all around; of late so full, The busy scene deserted now and dull. Stern is his nature who forbears to feel Gloom o’er his spirits on such trials steal; Most keenly felt our poet as he went From room to room without a fix’d intent; “And here,” he thought, “I was caress’d; admired 470 Were here my songs; she smiled, and I aspired: The change how grievous!” As he mused, a dame Busy and peevish to her duties came;