OF TEMPER.
153
And, nuptial projects thickening in his mind,
Now his fair partner in the dance rejoin'd.
As now the sprightly music paus'd, my lord
Eager resolv'd to touch a foster chord;
Secure of all repulse, he vainly meant
Half to display, half hide his fond intent,
And, in dissembled passion's flowery tropes,
To sport at leisure with the virgin's hopes:
For this he fram'd a motley speech, replete
With amorous compliment and vain conceit.
The labour'd nothing with complacent pride
He spoke; but to his speech no nymph replied:
For in the moment, the lost fair devotes
Her willing ear to more attractive notes.
The minstrel happen'd near the nymph to walk,
Rapt with a bosom-friend in secret talk,
And, at the instant when the earl began
Half to unfold his matrimonial plan,
Edwin, in whispers, from the crowd retir'd,
Chanc'd to repeat the sonnet she inspir'd:
Now his fair partner in the dance rejoin'd.
As now the sprightly music paus'd, my lord
Eager resolv'd to touch a foster chord;
Secure of all repulse, he vainly meant
Half to display, half hide his fond intent,
And, in dissembled passion's flowery tropes,
To sport at leisure with the virgin's hopes:
For this he fram'd a motley speech, replete
With amorous compliment and vain conceit.
The labour'd nothing with complacent pride
He spoke; but to his speech no nymph replied:
For in the moment, the lost fair devotes
Her willing ear to more attractive notes.
The minstrel happen'd near the nymph to walk,
Rapt with a bosom-friend in secret talk,
And, at the instant when the earl began
Half to unfold his matrimonial plan,
Edwin, in whispers, from the crowd retir'd,
Chanc'd to repeat the sonnet she inspir'd:
