Self-Denial.

For now, his tide of gladness to oppose,

A clay-cold damp of doubts and fears arose;

Clouds, which involve, midst Love and Reason's strife,

The poor man's prospect when he takes a wife.

Though gay his journeys in the Summer's prime,

Each seem'd the repetition of a crime;

He never left her but with many a sigh,

When tears stole down his face, she knew not why.

Severe his task those visits to forego,

And feed his heart with voluntary woe.

Yet this he did; the wan Moon circling found

His evenings cheerless, and his rest unsound;

And saw th’ unquenched flame his bosom swell:

What were his doubts, thus let the Story tell

A month's sharp conflict only serv'd to prove

The pow'r, as well as truth, of Walter's love.

Absence more strongly on his mind portray'd

His own sweet, injur'd, unoffending Maid.