Before  now the lovers stand,
The aged suff'rer joined the mournful band;
While, with the look that guardian seraphs wear,
When sent to calm the throbs of mortal care,
The story of their woes   told,
Then cried," the wretched  here behold —
Hop'st thou, fond man, a passion to controul
Fix'd in the breast, and woven in the soul?
Ah, know, mistaken youth, thy power in vain
Would bind thy victim in the nuptial chain;
That faithful heart will rend the galling tie,
That heart will break, that tender frame will die!
Then, by each sacred name to nature dear,
By faithful passion's agonizing tear,
By all the wasting pangs that tear her breast,
By the deep groan that gives the suff'rer rest,
Let mercy's pleading voice thy bosom move,
And fear to burst the bonds of plighted love! "
He paus'd — now  moan  hears;
Now sees the cheek of age bedew'd with tears.
Pallid and motionless  stands,
Fix'd was her lifted eye, and clasp'd her hands;
Her heart was chill'd — her fainting heart — for there
Hope slowly sinks in cold and dark despair.
soul was mov'd —" No more, "he cried,
" My hapless flame shall hearts like yours divide.
Live, tender spirit, soft  live,
And all the wrongs of madd'ning rage forgive!
Go from this desolated region far,
These plains, where av'rice spreads the waste of war;
Go where pure pleasures gild the peaceful scene,
Go where mild virtue sheds her ray serene! "