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OF TEMPER.
159


But that her father's voice, with quick control,
Recall'd the functions of her fainting soul.
When on the distant seat, where, fondly fixt,
He view'd the nymph as in the dance she mixt,
He indistinctly heard, with wounded ear,
The spleenful outrage of the angry peer;
Swift at th' imperfect sound, with choler wild,
He sprung to succour his insulted child;
But ere his fury into language broke,
Love calm'd the storm that arrogance awoke.
The sudden burst of Falkland's tender flame,
His winning manners, his distinguish'd name,
His liberal soul, by Fortune's smile carest,
All join'd to harmonize the father's breast.
His fiery thoughts subside in glad surprise,
And to the generous youth he warmly cries:
"Ingenuous Falkland! by thy frankness won,
My willing heart would own thee for my son;
But on thy hopes Serena must decide:—
Haste we together from this house of pride."