Nor, Edith, judge thyself betray'd, Though Robert knows that Lorn's high Maid And his poor silent page were one. Versed in the fickle heart of man, Earnest and anxious hath he look'd How Ronald's heart the message brook'd That gave him, with her last farewell, The charge of Sister Isabel, To think upon thy better right, Long since that mood is gone: Now dwells he on thy juster claims, Forgive him for thine own!" VII. "No! never to Lord Ronald's bower Will I again as paramour" "Nay, hush thee, too impatient maid, The good King Robert would engage By her own heart, and her own eye, Her lover's penitence to try— Safe in his royal charge, and free, Again unknown to seek the cell, And live and die with Isabel.". Thus spoke the maid-King Robert's eye Might have some glance of policy; Dunstaffnage had the monarch ta'en, And Lorn had own'd King Robert's reign; And there in banishment was dead; Were safe in Ronald's faithful hand. VIII. Embarrass'd eye and blushing cheek Who gave such secret, dark and dear, Why should she leave the peaceful cell?— Saw and forgave the maiden's wile, At the first call of truant love. IX. Oh, blame her not !-when zephyrs wake, The aspen's trembling leaves must shake; When beams the sun through April's shower, It needs must bloom, the violet flower; And Love, howe'er the maiden strive, A thousand soft excuses came, To plead his cause 'gainst virgin shame. And she, beneath his royal hand, A ward in person and in land: And, last, she was resolved to stay Close hidden in her safe disguise From all, but most from Ronald's eyes— But once to see him more !-nor blame Her wish-to hear him name her name !Then, to bear back to solitude The thought, he had his falsehood rued! But Isabel, who long had seen Her pallid cheek and pensive mien, And well herself the cause might know, Though innocent, of Edith's woe, Joy'd, generous, that revolving time |