Again my spirit bore me to the youth's Lone study, where I saw him pacing to And fro, with heavy step and downcast look. His eye was fixed and dull--all smiles had fled, And o'er his pallid, bloodless cheek had woe His sable mantle flung. But whilst he thus Was moved, anon there entered one endeared By Friendship's strongest ties, who knew the fate His fondest hopes had met, and told a tale Of which he deemed not aught before--a tale That scarce at first could credence gain, so dread Its import was; yet soon he found 'twas but Too true--"His sacred letter, ere it reached Its destined port, had by some strange mischance Been torn, its secrets filched and heralded Abroad: yet, by the wakeful kindness of That much-loved one, his hallowed thoughts had reached The ears of few." Then sudden o'er him came A fearful mood that shook his every limb. Like liquid fire his blood along his veins Did course, and to his throbbing temples mount-- Then rush tumultuous back upon his heart That sent it once again with quickened speed Along his swollen, well-nigh bursting veins; And from his lips at times did fall unmeet And vengeful words, that told what passion stirred Within. But that soon passed, and to the eye His troubled soul, as that of infant hushed To sleep upon its mother's breast, was calm. VI. The scene was changed. Before the altar stood {33} The maiden, in her bridal vestments clad, And gave her hand and virgin heart away-- Whilst mantling blushes o'er her features spread Like Iris' colors on the deepened blue Of Heaven's high vault--to one whose kindling eye Was turned with rapture on her matchless face, And who in part was like unto the youth That first beside her stood--_yet not the same_. And she did love him with a boundless love-- Deep, pure and changeless as Jehovah's word-- The very essence of her being, that life's Quiescent stream with fairest garlands strewed-- For he her youthful heart's responsive chord Had known to touch with sweet and winning words, By graceful mien, and giant strength of mind. Unblest he was with Mammon's glittering hoard-- In nothing rich, save worth's neglected store; And yet for that, her heart with wildest joy Did but the closer cling unchanged to him. And he, with pride and pleasure took her to His bosom beating high; for none could know, And knowing not admire. But his was not The fervent adoration of the heart, In prostrate homage bowed before her shrine, That moved the soul of him who first essayed Her peerless love to win. And yet before Them to all seeming lay a flowery path, Along whose scented walks they might their way With noiseless step and even tenor wend. VII.