Nor had the Doctor leave to speak again; A man who own’d, nay gloried in deceit, 100 “He might despise her, but he should not cheat.” Then Vicar Holmes appear’d; he heard it said That ancient men best pleased the prudent maid; And true it was her ancient friends she loved; Servants when old she favour’d and approved; Age in her pious parents she revered, And neighbours were by length of days endear’d; But, if her husband too must ancient be, The good old Vicar found it was not he. On Captain Bligh her mind in balance hung-- 110 Though valiant, modest; and reserved, though young: Against these merits must defects be set-- Though poor, imprudent; and though proud, in debt: In vain the Captain close attention paid; She found him wanting, whom she fairly weigh’d. Then came a youth, and all their friends agreed, That Edward Huntly was the man indeed; Respectful duty he had paid awhile, Then ask’d her hand, and had a gracious smile: A lover now declared, he led the fair 120 To woods and fields, to visits and to pray’r; Then whisper’d softly--“Will you name the day?” She softly whisper’d--“If you love me, stay.”-- “Oh! try me not beyond my strength,” he cried;-- “Oh! be not weak,” the prudent maid replied; “But by some trial your affection prove-- Respect and not impatience argues love; And love no more is by impatience known, Than Ocean’s depth is by its tempests shown. He whom a weak and fond impatience sways, } 130 But for himself with all his fervour prays, } And not the maid he woos, but his own will obeys; } And will she love the being who prefers, With so much ardour, his desire to hers?” Young Edward grieved, but let not grief be seen; He knew obedience pleased his fancy’s queen: Awhile he waited, and then cried--“Behold! The year advancing, be no longer cold!” For she had promised--“Let the flowers appear, And I will pass with thee the smiling year.” 140 Then pressing grew the youth; the more he press’d, The less inclined the maid to his request: “Let June arrive.”--Alas! when April came, It brought a stranger, and the stranger, shame; Nor could the lover from his house persuade A stubborn lass whom he had mournful made; Angry and weak, by thoughtless vengeance moved, She told her story to the fair beloved; In strongest words th’ unwelcome truth was shown, To blight his prospects, careless of her own. 150 Our heroine grieved, but had too firm a heart For him to soften, when she swore to part; In vain his seeming penitence and pray’r, His vows, his tears: she left him in despair. His mother fondly laid her grief aside, And to the reason of the nymph applied-- “It well becomes thee, lady, to appear,