Ii

Another of our comrades, in those days When wisdom has for youth no argument, And conscience on him no commandment lays That can prevail against a maid’s consent,--

He also found that ’twas the hot pursuit And not the maiden that inspired his zest; And other fairer maids of fleeter foot Called him from one too easily possessed.

But she was not of those who make the slip And miss the fall, like many a merry dame: She felt the tightening of dishonour’s grip, Still loving him who brought on her the shame.

And one day walking by a river bank, He found a little group of villagers Standing beside a body, dead and dank,-- And when he looked the face he saw was hers.

The conduct of these comrades was akin, Though the world read it in the sequel’s light: The one through life recalled a pleasant sin; Remorse pursued the other day and night.

And, are you Nature’s weakling instrument, Your fortune may be such as prompts a laugh Among good fellows; or the fire she lent May burn into your soul an epitaph.