OF TEMPER.
145
The native diffidence which sway'd her mind,
Nows feels new terrors with its own combin'd;
The robes of Ariel to the nymph recall
Those disappointments that may yet befall;
As her fair hands the gauze or tissue touch,
They fondly warn her not to hope too much.
She feels the friendly counsel they impart,
And caution reigns protector of her heart.
The fateful evening comes—the coach attends,
And first the gouty Caliban ascends;
Then, in Deformity's well-suited pride,
Sour Sycorax is station'd by his side;
And last, with sportive smiles, divinely sweet,
Light Ariel perches on the vacant seat.
Fancy now paints the scene of pleasure near,
Yet fluttering gaiety is check'd by fear.
Her wish to view the festive sight runs high;
But the fond nymph remembers with a sigh,
From Hope's keen hand the cup of Joy may slip,
And fall untasted, tho' it reach the lip.
Nows feels new terrors with its own combin'd;
The robes of Ariel to the nymph recall
Those disappointments that may yet befall;
As her fair hands the gauze or tissue touch,
They fondly warn her not to hope too much.
She feels the friendly counsel they impart,
And caution reigns protector of her heart.
The fateful evening comes—the coach attends,
And first the gouty Caliban ascends;
Then, in Deformity's well-suited pride,
Sour Sycorax is station'd by his side;
And last, with sportive smiles, divinely sweet,
Light Ariel perches on the vacant seat.
Fancy now paints the scene of pleasure near,
Yet fluttering gaiety is check'd by fear.
Her wish to view the festive sight runs high;
But the fond nymph remembers with a sigh,
From Hope's keen hand the cup of Joy may slip,
And fall untasted, tho' it reach the lip.
