'And scandal added'----'Hold!' the _Miller_ cried, And, in an instant, stood at _Phoebe's_ side; For he observed, while list'ning to the tale, Her spirits faulter'd, and her cheeks turn'd pale; Whilst her clasp'd hands descended to her knee She sinking whisper'd forth, 'O _God_, 'tis _he_! The good Man, though he guess'd the pleasing truth, Was far too busy to inform the Youth; But stirr'd himself amain to aid his Wife, Who soon restor'd the trembler back to life. Awhile insensible she still appear'd; But, '_O my Brother!_' was distinctly heard: The astonisht Youth now held her to his breast; And tears and kisses soon explain'd the rest. Past deeds now from each tongue alternate fell; For news of dearest import both could tell. Fondly, from childhood's tears to youth's full prime, They match'd the incidents of jogging time; _ Mutual Recollections_. And prov'd, that when with Tyranny opprest, Poor _Phoebe_ groan'd with wounds and broken rest, _George_ felt no less: was harassed and forlorn; A rope's-end follow'd him both night and morn. Andin that very storm when _Phoebe_ fled, When the rain drench'd her yet unshelter'd head; That very Storm he on the Ocean brav'd, The Vessel founder'd, and the Boy was say'd! Mysterious Heaven!--and O with what delight-- She told the happy issue of her flight: To his charm'd heart a living picture drew; And gave to hospitality its due! The list'ning Host observ'd the gentle Pair; And ponder'd on the means that brought them there: Convinc'd, while unimpeach'd their Virtue stood, Twas _Heav'n's_ high Will that he should do them good. But now the anxious Dame, impatient grown, Demanded what the Youth had heard, or known, _The Investigation_. Whereon to ground those doubts but just exprest;-- Doubts, which must interest the feeling breast: 'Her Brother wert thou, George?--how; prithee say: Canst thou forego, or cast that name away?' 'No living proofs have I,' the Youth reply'd, That we by closest ties are not allied; But in my memory live, and ever will, A mother's dying words......I hear them still: She said, to one who watch'd her parting breath, "Don't separate the Children at my death; They're not both mine: but--" Here the scene was clos'd; She died, and left us helpless and expos'd; Nor Time hath thrown, nor Reason's opening power, One friendly ray on that benighted hour.' Ne'er did the Chieftains of a Warring State Hear from the _Oracle_ their half-told fate With more religious fear, or more suspense, Than _Phoebe_ now endur'd:--for every sense _The Perplexity_.