The maid who can securely rest,
And never conflict rack her breast.
With innocence is haply blest;
But, can we say her heart's imprest
With virtue's deep ingrafted seal,
To rouse to active, ardent zeal,
Assert its own, and brighter shine,
When vice and treacherous arts combine
To dim its fair transcendant worth
And blend it with the dross of earth?
Ah, no! that virtue, never tried,
Its name alone can be implied;
True virtue rears its stately form
And bears each buffet of the storm,
Can let vice eddy in its course,
And like a rock resist its force.
Melliphant had, often at the gaming table, lost to Sir Howard considerable sums of money, and as it was beyond his ability to discharge them, Sir Howard was the last man whom he would willingly have offended. Imagining from the late tenor of his conduct towards him, that he meditated deceit, that the result might fall in such a manner as to obstruct his views respecting Rosilia, he thought it better not to lose time in conciliating him. He therefore determined to call upon Sir Howard, and lead him if possible to an explanation of his conduct.
Of a furious and impetuous temper. Sir Howard was apparently under its dominion, when Melliphant entered, who, calm, cool, and dispassionate, possessed over him a complete advantage.
"I fear. Sir Howard," said he, "I may unintentionally have offended you; and as I value your
