But long even PRIDE could not hold out; Sorely the maid her change repented-- Her dreams had all been put to route-- CONTENT was sadly discontented. One morning HOPE, who scarce had seen The maiden since she sought the City, To make a flying call, popp'd in,-- And saw her alter'd looks with pity. "Ah faithless HOPE!" exclaim'd CONTENT: "Why did you flatter and deceive me-- Why urge the step I now repent, And be the first to scorn and leave me. Oh, but for you, deceitful friend, I still had lived untouched by SORROW, Where beauteous flowers their fragrance blend, Nor blushes from cosmetics borrow. I might have dwelt, a happy maid, With PEACE and LOVE, in blest seclusion, Afar from FASHION'S dull parade, Her endless throngs of gay confusion. Fain would I to my cottage fly, But PRIDE resists, and SHAME upbraids me; And PLEASURE, ever hovering nigh With some delusive tale dissuades me." HOPE, with a woman's ready wit, From all reproach herself defended; And forced her listner to admit Her counsel "_for the best_" intended. * * * * * CONTENT at length "made up her mind" ('Gainst PRIDE'S usurp'd control rebelling,) To leave the bustling town behind, And seek again her humble dwelling. 'Twas a bright morn in early Spring, When, HOPE her languid steps attending, Through vales where birds were on the wing, To that lone cot the maid was wending. The sun shone bright on hill and lea, The flowers from leafy shades were peeping; The brook ran murmuring merrily, And flocks were in the valleys leaping. The Cottage reach'd, she met once more The smile of PEACE, and LOVE'S embraces; JOY lit the maiden's eye again, And from her brow chased sorrow's traces. Soon HEALTH return'd, with genial glow, Her languid frame with strength induing, The blood resumed its wonted flow, The roses on her cheeks renewing. HOPE views the change with fond delight; Vows from CONTENT she ne'er will sever; Controls each wild impassion'd flight, And points where mercy beams forever. What more could Providence bestow To yield CONTENT an added blessing? Each hour her heart's pure offerings flow, To Heaven its gratitude addressing. And ever since, CONTENT has dwelt From the gay crowd, in vale secluded:-- Their joyless strife she once has felt, And cannot be again deluded. Oft have I seen the humble roof, Where, with PEACE, LOVE and HOPE uniting, She dwells, from worldly cares aloof, Even while her story I am writing.