"Are you the Maid," the Stranger cried, "From Gallic parents sprung, Whose vanishing was rumoured wide, Sad theme for every tongue; 60 Who foiled an Emperor's eager quest? You, Lady, forced to wear These rude habiliments, and rest Your head in this dark lair!" But wonder, pity, soon were quelled; 65 And in her face and mien The soul's pure brightness he beheld Without a veil between: He loved, he hoped,--a holy flame Kindled 'mid rapturous tears; 70 The passion of a moment came As on the wings of years. "Such bounty is no gift of chance," Exclaimed he; "righteous Heaven, Preparing your deliverance, 75 To me the charge hath given. The Czar full oft in words and deeds Is stormy and self-willed; But, when the Lady Catherine pleads, His violence is stilled. 80 "Leave open to my wish the course, And I to her will go; From that humane and heavenly source, Good, only good, can flow." Faint sanction given, the Cavalier 85 Was eager to depart, Though question followed question, dear To the Maiden's filial heart.[663] Light was his step,--his hopes, more light, Kept pace with his desires; 90 And the fifth[664] morning gave him sight Of Moscow's glittering spires. He sued:--heart-smitten by the wrong, To the lorn Fugitive The Emperor sent a pledge as strong 95 As sovereign power could give. O more than mighty change! If e'er Amazement rose to pain, And joy's excess[665] produced a fear Of something void and vain; 100 'Twas when the Parents, who had mourned So long the lost as dead, Beheld their only Child returned, The household floor to tread. Soon gratitude gave way to love 105 Within the Maiden's breast: Delivered and Deliverer move In bridal garments drest; Meek Catherine had her own reward; The Czar bestowed a dower; 110 And universal Moscow shared The triumph of that hour. Flowers strewed the ground; the nuptial feast Was held with costly state; And there, 'mid many a noble guest, 115 The Foster-parents sate; Encouraged by the imperial eye, They shrank not into shade; Great was their bliss, the honour high To them and nature paid! 120 FOOTNOTES: