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. ONE day it happened, as our beauteous belle Was sleeping in a wood beside a dell, By chance there passed, quite near, a wand'ring knight, Like those the ladies followed with delight, When they on palfreys rode in days of old, And purity were always thought to hold. THIS knight, who copied those of famed romance, Sir Roger, and the rest, in complisance, No sooner saw the princess thus asleep, Than instantly he wished a kiss to reap. While thinking, whether from the neck or lip, 'Twere best the tempting balm of bliss to sip, He suddenly began to recollect The laws of chivalry he should respect. Although the thought retained, his fervent prayer To Cupid was, that while the nymph was there, Her fascinating charms he might enjoy; Sure love's soft senses were ne'er designed to cloy! THE princess woke, and great surprise expressed; Oh! charming fair, said he, be not distressed; No savage of the woods nor giant 's nigh, A wand'ring knight alone you now descry, Delighted thus to meet a beauteous belle Such charms divine, what angel can excel!