And now, announc'd, BELLARIO'S name
Had almost quench'd the new-born flame:
"Admit him," was the ready word
Which first escap'd him, not unheard;
When sudden, to his mental sight,
Uprose the horrors of last night;
His plunder'd friend before him stands,
And — "not at home," his firm commands.
He felt the conquest, as a joy,
The first temptation wou'd destroy.
He knew that next day Hymen's hand,
Shou'd tack the slight and slippery band,
Which, in loose bondage, wou'd ensnare
BELLARIO bright, and FLAVIA fair,
Oft had he promis'd to attend
The nuptials of his happy friend:
He longs to go — but yet he fears;
At length a bolder deed he dares;
To CELIA he resolves to fly,
And catch fresh virtue from her eye;
Tho' three full weeks did yet remain,
Ere he engag'd to come again.
This plan he tremblingly embrac'd,
With doubtful zeal, and fluttering haste;
Nor ventur'd he one card to read,
Which might his virtuous scheme impede;
Each note, he dreaded, might betray him,
And shudder'd lest each rap shou'd stay him.