And yet possess--or be refused her hand. All this without reserve the maiden told, And some began to weigh the rector's gold; To ask what sum a prudent man might gain, Who had such store of virtues to maintain? A Doctor Campbell, north of Tweed, came forth, Declared his passion, and proclaim'd his worth; Not unapproved, for he had much to say On every cause, and in a pleasant way; Not all his trust was in a pliant tongue, His form was good, and ruddy he, and young: But though the doctor was a man of parts, He read not deeply male or female hearts; But judged that all whom he esteem'd as wise Must think alike, though some assumed disguise; That every reasoning Brahmin, Christian, Jew, Of all religions took their liberal view; And of her own, no doubt, this learned Maid Denied the substance, and the forms obey'd: And thus persuaded, he his thoughts express'd Of her opinions, and his own profess'd: "All states demand this aid, the vulgar need Their priests and prayers, their sermons and their creed; And those of stronger minds should never speak (In his opinion) what might hurt the weak: A man may smile, but still he should attend His hour at church, and be the Church's friend, What there he thinks conceal, and what he hears commend." Frank was the speech, but heard with high disdain, Nor had the doctor leave to speak again; A man who own'd, nay gloried in deceit, "He might despise her, but he should not cheat." The 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 - 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 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, 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;