Sir Owen softly to his bed adjourn’d, Sir Owen quickly to his home return’d; And all the way he meditating dwelt On what this man in his affliction felt: How he, resenting first, forbore, forgave, His passion’s lord, and not his anger’s slave; And as he rode he seem’d to fear the deed Should not be done, and urged unwonted speed. Arrived at home, he scorn’d the change to hide, Nor would indulge a mean and selfish pride, 900 That would some little at a time recal Th’ avenging vow; he now was frankness all. He saw his nephew, and with kindness spoke— “Charles, I repent my purpose, and revoke; Take her—I’m taught, and would I could repay The generous teacher; hear me, and obey. Bring me the dear coquette, and let me vow On lips half perjured to be passive now: Take her, and let me thank the powers divine She was not stolen when her hand was mine, 910 Or when her heart—Her smiles I must forget, She my revenge, and cancel either debt.” Here ends our tale, for who will doubt the bliss Of ardent lovers in a case like this? And if Sir Owen’s was not half so strong, It may, perchance, continue twice as long. TALES OF THE HALL. BOOK XIII. _DELAY HAS DANGER._ Morning Excursion—Lady at Silford, who?—Reflections on Delay—Cecilia and Henry—The Lovers contracted—Visit to the Patron—Whom he finds there—Fanny described—The yielding of Vanity—Delay—Resentment—Want of Resolution—Further Entanglement—Danger—How met—Conclusion. TALES OF THE HALL. BOOK XIII. _DELAY HAS DANGER._