THE BOWER OF MELISSA. A TALE. CANTO I. 'Twas when the zephyr's breath had wak'd the flowers, WAS And May with blossoms deck'd her vernal bowers, Two knights with various talk beguil'd the way, Sons of one sire, nor more by blood allied, In social arms the noble pair proceeds To purchase glory by adventurous deeds; Yet different passions each brave bosom fir'd, By honour one, as one by love inspir'd. An aged monarch held his gentle reign, An only daughter was his pride and care, Mild as the dawn, and fairest of the fair. This prince, by conquest once with glory crown'd, Nor less in arts of useful peace renown'd, Proclaim'd a tournament, still pleas'd to view The martial game his triumphs past renew. As brave was Paladour, and skill'd to wield As slow they journey'd through surrounding shade. "Why droops,' he cried, my brother and my friend,' "Though full in view immortal fame ascend?' 'The brave of ev'ry clime the prize contest ; But no base fears invade that noble breast; 'For nurs'd in arms, and bred to hardy fight, Thy sport is war, and danger thy delight. < Yet dost thou droop! Thy secret wound explain, 'Or do I boast the name of friend in vain?' And will not Cadwall,' Paladour replied, The fond distresses of my heart deride? 'Cadwall, unknowing of love's soft alarms, 'And kindling only at the sound of arms? Yet not on choice, but unresisted fate, Depends the various colour of our state; Thou by th' Almighty will to fame impell'd, Thy friend in love's inglorious bondage held. 'Know then that, once, beneath the beechen shade, Tir'd with the chace my fainting limbs I laid. 'Sudden the rustling boughs invade my ear, 'Quick panting breath, and rapid steps I hear. |