Close at her side the am'rous villain knight, Who tried in specious terms his hopes to paint-- Inspir'd by ev'ry fiend, he call'd on every saint! Surprise, at first, held mute Edwina's tongue, And many changes on his theme he rung, Ere she could pour her chaste, her proud disdain, Or check with cold contempt his odious strain. At length she spoke. So once, Judean Fair! Thou turn'd'st upon the sober, hoary pair Who slunk, with wanton thoughts and aspect grave, To watch thee, rising from the gelid wave. Insulted Virtue thunder'd from thy tongue, And o'er thy eye indignant lightnings hung, Swift came the vollied speech;--grand was thy tone, And Chastity in bright effulgence shone. Around the ivory form dark myrtles grew, To snatch thee from the gazing monster's view; Through their deep foliage came thy pointed words, Thy glance was fire--thy sentences were swords! Such were Edwina's tones, her look, her air, Striking the young seducer with despair! Yes, young he was, in beauty's fullest prime, Untarnish'd yet, untouch'd by withering time! O'er his red cheek soft dimples playful ran, Whilst grace and sinewy strength proclaimed The man! His charms, his passion, sweet Edwina spurned, And with unfeigned abhorrence, stately turned; Then walk'd with mien composed across the moor, Though tremblings seized her heart, and doubtings sore. But Edgar soon she heard, step quick behind, And then to mad'ning fears her soul resigned. She seemed to borrow from the wind its wings, When from its southern portal first it springs-- Flying, as borne upon the billowy air, Urged by distraction on, and blank despair. Her base pursuer spurr'd by dire intent, Kept closely in the track the fair one went; Nor hurried much, but thought her failing feet Would soon retard a course so wondrous fleet-- He thought aright, and in his felon arms, Pressed Henry's beauteous wife, half wild with dread alarms. Scarce had he dared to grasp her sinking frame, When with the quickness of devouring flame, A furious wolf from out the bordering wood With eyes all glaring near Edwina stood-- The brindled hair rose stiff upon his chine, Of ghastly, deathful joy, the horrid sign; His clinging sides confessed his famished state, And his deep howl proclaimed a victim's fate. The coward fled!--O! now my pen forbear, Nor with the shrieks of terror rend the air!-- The wolf's fell teeth--but O! I check the song, Nor can the horrid, agonizing chord prolong.