Of fair Matilda sank him to the grave
In manhood's prime. But soon did righteous Heaven,
With tears of sharp remorse, and pining care
Avenge her falsehood. Nor could all the gold
And nuptial pomp, which lured her plighted faith
From Edmund to a loftier husband's home,21
Relieve her breaking heart, or turn aside
The strokes of death. Go Traveller; relate
The mournful story. Haply some fair maid
May hold it in remembrance, and be taught
That riches cannot pay for truth and love.
60
