"I struggled hard but long could not sustain, For cold and fever seized my care-worn brain; My health, by over-study much impaired, For this encounter was but ill prepared. For weeks unconscious in this state I lay, My life, despaired of, nearly sank away; Until sweet Hope appeared with healing beam, And I awoke as from a pleasant dream. I dreamt my love had watched my bed beside, And nursed me till within her arms I died. A step approached--oh! could that form be she? I closed my eyes and slumb'ring seemed to be; What would I not have given then to tell! But yet I would not, dared not, break the spell. 'Have I been wise?' a voice beside me said, And gently smoothed the pillow 'neath my head; 'Have I done right, in giving thus away The heart he deemed was his until that day? Oh, cruel fate! my love I must forsake, Or else the heart that loved so true will break. This I'll resolve, if he to health revives, And for my hand again as suitor strives, I'll fancy that we were betrothed before, And try to love him as we loved of yore.' What joy! what bliss! what rapture! filled my heart. 'One word, and I from her shall never part. But oh! she loves another one,' thought I (And fell Despair and Grief again drew nigh), 'Who may more worthy be, though I deny That he can love more true, more ardently. Still can my heart accept this sacrifice, Which duty forced her spirit to devise? Should selfish feelings have sufficient weight To wish two hearts betrothed to separate? No, I would rather lonely, ling'ring, die, Than thus my peace with so much suff'ring buy.' A shiv'ring seized me, and I heard her rise; Yet closely clenched I sealed my quiv'ring eyes; While on my cheek I felt her warm, sweet breath-- Oh, 'twas a struggle fierce as life with death! For, weaker grown, I scarcely could restrain The varied feelings battling in my brain; For Hope, Fear, Justice, in succession reigned, Until Delirium conquered all again. Then trembling Life o'erpower'd seemed to have fled, And with a piercing scream she told them I was dead. "But health and strength returning, by degrees Brought to my mind that long-lost stranger Ease; But weeks and weeks passed silently before I dared request to see her face once more. The youth she loved then entered by her side, And on the morrow she became his bride. "An officer for India bound was he, And with her mother soon they crossed the sea, While I roamed o'er the Continent to find Relief and comfort for my restless mind. But scarcely past a twelvemonth spent at Rome Ere mournful tidings summoned me back home. My worthy uncle had died suddenly, And made me heir to all his property.