Love warps the mind a little from the right; And she proposed, against the trying day, What in the trial she should think and say. And now, their love avow’d, in both arose Fear and disdain—the orphan pair were foes. 220 Robert, more generous of the two, avow’d His scorn, defiance, and contempt aloud. James talk’d of pity in a softer tone, To Rachel speaking, and with her alone: “He knew full well,” he said, “to what must come His wretched brother, what would be his doom.” Thus he her bosom fenced with dread about; But love he could not with his skill drive out. Still, he effected something—and that skill Made the love wretched, though it could not kill; 230 And Robert fail’d, though much he tried, to prove He had no guilt—She granted he had love. Thus they proceeded, till a winter came, When the stern keeper told of stolen game. Throughout the woods the poaching dogs had been; And from him nothing should the robbers screen, From him and law—he would all hazards run, Nor spare a poacher, were his brother one— Love, favour, interest, tie of blood should fail, Till vengeance bore him bleeding to the jail. 240 Poor Rachel shudder’d—smuggling she could name Without confusion, for she felt not shame; But poachers were her terror, and a wood Which they frequented had been mark’d by blood; And, though she thought her Robert was secure In better thoughts, yet could she not be sure. James now was urgent—it would break his heart With hope, with her, and with such views to part, When one so wicked would her hand possess, And he a brother!—that was his distress, 250 And must be hers——She heard him, and she sigh’d, Looking in doubt—but nothing she replied. There was a generous feeling in her mind, That told her this was neither good nor kind. James caused her terror, but he did no more— Her love was now as it had been before. Their traffic fail’d—and the adventurous crew No more their profitless attempts renew. Dig they will not, and beg they might in vain— Had they not pride, and what can then remain? 260 Now was the game destroy’d, and not an hare Escaped at least the danger of the snare; Woods of their feather’d beauty were bereft, The beauteous victims of the silent theft; The well-known shops received a large supply, That they who could not kill at least might buy. James was enraged, enraged his lord, and both Confirm’d their threatening with a vengeful oath; Fresh aid was sought,—and nightly on the lands Walk’d on their watch the strong determined bands: 270 Pardon was offer’d, and a promised pay To him who would the desperate gang betray. Nor fail’d the measure—on a certain night A few were seized—the rest escaped by flight; Yet they resisted boldly ere they fled, And blows were dealt around, and blood was shed; Two groaning helpers on the earth were laid,