That often rises when his fears subside; When, like a trader feeling rich, he now Neglects his former smile, his humble bow, And, conscious of his hoarded wealth, assumes New airs, nor thinks how odious he becomes. “There is a wandering, wavering train of thought 70 That something seeks where nothing should be sought, And will a self-delighted spirit move To dare the danger of pernicious love.” * * * * * First, be it granted all was duly said By the fond youth to the believing maid; Let us suppose with many a sigh there came The declaration of the deathless flame;— And so her answer—“She was happy then, Blest in herself, and did not think of men; And, with such comforts in her present state, 80 A wish to change it was to tempt her fate; That she would not; but yet she would confess } With him, she thought, her hazard would be less; } Nay more, she would esteem, she would regard express; } But, to be brief—if he could wait and see In a few years what his desires would be.”— Henry for years read months, then weeks, nor found The lady thought his judgment was unsound; “For months read weeks,” she read it to his praise, And had some thoughts of changing it to _days_. 90 And here a short excursion let me make, A lover tried, I think, for lovers’ sake; And teach the meaning in a lady’s mind, When you can none in her expressions find. Words are design’d that meaning to convey; } But often _Yea_ is hidden in a _Nay_! } And, what the charmer wills, some gentle hints betray. } Then, too, when ladies mean to yield at length, They match their reasons with the lover’s strength, And, kindly cautious, will no force employ 100 But such as he can baffle or destroy. As, when heroic lovers beauty woo’d, And were by magic’s mighty art withstood, The kind historian, for the dame afraid, Gave to the faithful knight the stronger aid. A downright “_No!_” would make a man despair, Or leave for kinder nymph the cruel fair; But “_No!_ because I’m very happy now; Because I dread th’ irrevocable vow; Because I fear papa will not approve; 110 Because I love not—No, I cannot love; Because you men of Cupid make a jest; Because——in short, a single life is best.” A “_No!_” when back’d by reasons of such force, Invites approach, and will recede of course. Ladies, like towns besieged, for honour’s sake, Will some defence or its appearance make; On first approach there’s much resistance made, And conscious weakness hides in bold parade; With lofty looks, and threat’nings stern and proud, 120 “Come, if you dare,” is said in language loud. But, if th’ attack be made with care and skill, “Come,” says the yielding party, “if you will;” Then each the other’s valiant acts approve, And twine their laurels in a wreath of love.—