That sting infixed within her haughty mind, } The downfal of her empire she divined; } And her proud heart with secret sorrow pined. } Home as they went, the sad discourse renewed, } Of the relentless dame to death pursued, } And of the sight obscene so lately viewed. } None durst arraign the righteous doom she bore; Even they, who pitied most, yet blamed her more: The parallel they needed not to name, But in the dead they damned the living dame. At every little noise she looked behind, For still the knight was present to her mind: And anxious oft she started on the way, And thought the horseman-ghost came thundering for his prey. Returned, she took her bed, with little rest, But in short slumbers dreamt the funeral feast: Awaked, she turned her side, and slept again; } The same black vapours mounted in her brain, } And the same dreams returned with double pain. } Now forced to wake, because afraid to sleep, Her blood all fevered, with a furious leap She sprung from bed, distracted in her mind, And feared, at every step, a twitching sprite behind. Darkling and desperate with a staggering pace, Of death afraid, and conscious of disgrace; Fear, pride, remorse, at once her heart assailed, Pride put remorse to flight, but fear prevailed. Friday, the fatal day, when next it came, Her soul forethought the fiend would change his game, And her pursue, or Theodore be slain, And two ghosts join their packs to hunt her o'er the plain. This dreadful image so possessed her mind, That desperate any succour else to find, She ceased all farther hope; and now began To make reflection on the unhappy man. Rich, brave, and young, who past expression loved, Proof to disdain, and not to be removed: Of all the men respected and admired, Of all the dames, except herself, desired: Why not of her? preferred above the rest } By him, with knightly deeds, and open love, professed? } So had another been, where he his vows addressed. } This quelled her pride, yet other doubts remained, That, once disdaining, she might be disdained. The fear was just, but greater fear prevailed, Fear of her life by hellish hounds assailed: He took a lowering leave; but who can tell, What outward hate might inward love conceal? Her sex's arts she knew, and why not, then, Might deep dissembling have a place in men? Here hope began to dawn; resolved to try, } She fixed on this her utmost remedy; } Death was behind, but hard it was to die. } 'Twas time enough at last on death to call, } The precipice in sight: a shrub was all, } That kindly stood betwixt to break the fatal fall. } One maid she had, beloved above the rest; Secure of her, the secret she confessed; And now the cheerful light her fears dispelled, }