325 THE BRIDE OF CORINTH. I. TO CORINTH a young stranger came From ATHENS though himself unknown, Relying on his father's name; Nor hospitable ties alone Secured him a Corinthian friend; II. But will the stranger welcome be? And they the Christian faith are taught ! Without a sigh, without a thought ' III. The house in midnight silence lies, She leads him to a chamber bright, And wine and bread before him laid; She bows, and wishes him "Good night!" IV. He thought not of the wine and bread, He only felt a wish for rest At once he flung him on the bed His weary limbs scarce feel repose, When, hush the chamber doors unclose, And in there steals a timid guest. V. He wakes and by the lamp's faint light, Behold a maiden tall and fair! Her veil is white her robes are white. Black is the band that twines her hair 'Tis black, but streaked with lines of gold VI. Exclaims, "Then am I nothing here! Guests come and go, and none tells me ! 6 VII. 6 Stay,' cries the youth, stay, maiden dear, As lightly from the couch springs he, CERES and BACCHUS, lo! are here, And Love, Sweet maid, hath come with thee. Ah! thou art pale with idle fear, The Gods are good, and blest are we !'— What pleasure is, I feel not now — Joy hath for ever fled from me, Scared by a mother's gloomy vow; She feared to die, My hopes of love my youthful bloom her stern decree Hath destined to a living tomb! |