Across the marsh, the game in view, Nor paused, till o'er the stag he blew "From your deportment, Sir! I deem "Tears might be shed, and I might pray, Crouching and terrified, That what has been unveiled to day, You would in mystery hide; But I will not defile with dust The knee that bends to adore The God in heaven ;-attend, be just; "I speak not of the winter's cold, Nor yet of trouble and alarms: High Heaven is my defence; And every season has soft arms For injured Innocence. "From Moscow to the Wilderness Retain his lawless will, To end life here like this poor deer, "Are you the Maid," the Stranger cried, Sad theme for every tongue; These rude habiliments, and rest Your head in this dark lair!" But wonder, pity, soon were quelled ; And in her face and mien The soul's pure brightness he beheld He loved, he hoped,—a holy flame The passion of a moment came "Such bounty is no gift of chance," To me the charge hath given. "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 Was eager to depart, Though question followed question, dear To the Maiden's filial heart. Light was his step,-his hopes, more light, And the fifth morning gave him sight He sued:-heart-smitten by the wrong, The Emperor sent a pledge as strong O more than mighty change! If e'er And joy's excess produced a fear Of something void and vain ; '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 Meek Catherine had her own reward; The triumph of that hour. |