BOOK THE FOURTH.
143
How from a doting mother he had come 360
In arms array'd.
"Thou wakest in my mind
A thought that makes me sad," the youth replied,
"For Elinor wept much at my resolve,
And eloquent with all a mother's fears,
Urg'd me to leave her not. My wayward heart 365
Smote me as I look'd back and saw her wave
Adieu! but high in hope I soon beguil'd
These melancholy feelings by the thought
That we should both return to cheer her age,
Thy mission well fulfill'd, and quit no more 370
The copse-embosom'd cottage."
But the Maid
Soon started from her dream of happiness,
For on her memory flash'd the flaming pile.
A death-like paleness at the dreadful thoughts
Wither'd her cheek; the dews on her cold brow. 375
Started, and on the arm of Theodore
Feeble and faint she hung. His eager eye
In arms array'd.
"Thou wakest in my mind
A thought that makes me sad," the youth replied,
"For Elinor wept much at my resolve,
And eloquent with all a mother's fears,
Urg'd me to leave her not. My wayward heart 365
Smote me as I look'd back and saw her wave
Adieu! but high in hope I soon beguil'd
These melancholy feelings by the thought
That we should both return to cheer her age,
Thy mission well fulfill'd, and quit no more 370
The copse-embosom'd cottage."
But the Maid
Soon started from her dream of happiness,
For on her memory flash'd the flaming pile.
A death-like paleness at the dreadful thoughts
Wither'd her cheek; the dews on her cold brow. 375
Started, and on the arm of Theodore
Feeble and faint she hung. His eager eye
Concentring
