WHEN they had reached the pleasing secret spot; Young Hispal wished to go within the grot; Though nearly overcome, she this declined; But then his services arose to mind; Her life from Ocean's waves, her honour too, To him she owed; what could he have in view? A something, which already has been shown, Was saved through Hispal's nervous arm alone: Said he, far better bless a real friend, Than have each treasure rifled in the end, By some successful ruffian; think it o'er; You little dream for whom you guard the store. THE princess felt the truth of this remark, And half surrendered to the loving spark; A show'r obliged the pair, without delay, To seek a shed:--the place I need not say; The rest within the grotto lies concealed:-- The scenes of Cupid ne'er should be revealed. Alaciel blame, or not--I've many known, With less excuses, who've like favours shown. ALONE the cavern witnessed not their bliss; In love, a point once gained, naught feels amiss, If trees could speak that grew within the dell, What joys they viewed--what stories they might tell! The park, the lawn, the pleasure grounds, and bow'rs, The belts of roses, and the beds of flow'rs, All, all could whisper something of the kind; At length, both longed their friends again to find, Quite cloyed with love, they sighed to be at court; Thus spoke the fair her wishes to support. LOVED youth, to ME you must be ever dear; To doubt it would ungen'rous now appear; But tell me, pray, what's love without desire, Devoid of fear, and nothing to acquire? Flame unconfined is soon exhausted found, But, thwarted in its course 'twill long abound; I fear this spot, which we so highly prize, Will soon appear a desert in our eyes, And prove at last our grave; relieve my woe; At once to Alexandria, Hispal go; Alive pronounced, you presently will see, What worthy people think of you and me; Conceal our residence, declare you came, My journey to prepare, (your certain aim,) And see that I've a num'rous escort sent, To guard me from a similar event. By it, believe me, you shall nothing lose; And this is what I willingly would choose; For, be I single, or in Hymen's band, I'd have you follow me by sea and land, And be assured, should favour I withdraw, That I've observed in you some glaring flaw.