IT one day happened, that this forward spark; The girl we speak of, met within the park, And to a summer-house the fav'rite drew; The course they took the princess chanced to view As wand'ring near; but neither swain nor fair, Suspicion had, that any one was there; And this gallant most confidently thought, The girl by force, might to his terms be brought! His wretched temper, obstacle to love, And ev'ry bliss bestowed by heav'n above, Had oft his hopes of favours lately marred; And fear, with those designs, had also jarred: The girl, howe'er, would likely have been kind, If opportunities had pleased her mind. THE lover, now convinced that he was feared; In dark designs upon her persevered. No sooner had she entered, than our man Locked instantly the door, but vain his plan; To open it the princess had a key; The girl her fault perceived, and tried to flee; He held her fast; the charmer loudly called; The princess came--or vainly she had squalled. QUITE disappointed: overcome with ire, He wholly lost respect amid desire, And swore by all the gods, that, ere they went, The one or other should to him consent; Their hands he'd firmly tie to have his way; For help (the place so far) 'twere vain to pray; To take a lot was all that he'd allow; Come, draw, he said; to Fortune you must bow; No haggling I request--comply; be still: Resolved I am with one to have my will. WHAT has the princess done? the girl replied, That you, to make her suffer, thus decide Yes, said the spark, if on her fall the lot, Then you'll, at least for present, be forgot. NO, cried Alaciel, ne'er I'll have it said, To sacrifice I saw a maiden led; I'll suffer rather all that you expect, If you will spare my friend as I direct. 'Twas all in vain, the lots were drawn at last, And on the princess was the burthen cast; The other was permitted to retire, And each was sworn that nothing should transpire: But our gallant would sooner have been hung, Than have upon such secrets held his tongue; 'Tis clear, no longer silent he remained, Than one to listen to his tale he'd gained. THIS change of favourites the princess grieved; That Cupid trifled with her she perceived; With much regret she saw her blooming charms, The Helen of too many Paris' arms.