 former impulse of her charms: he not only felt all those transports
which a man of honour and sensibility may be supposed to feel upon such an
occasion, but the sentiments of a more tender passion awaking in his breast, he
could not help expressing himself in terms adapted to the emotions of his soul;
and at length plainly told her, that were he disposed to be a beggar, he would
ask something of infinitely more importance to his peace, than the charitable
assistance she had proffered.
    Her ladyship had too much penetration to mistake his meaning; but as she did
not chuse to encourage his advances, pretended to interpret his intimation into
a general compliment of gallantry, and in a jocose manner, desired he would not
give her any reason to believe his lucid interval was past. »In faith, my lady,
(said he) I perceive the fit coming on; and I don't see why I may not use the
privilege of my distemper, so far as to declare myself one of your most
passionate admirers.« »If you do, (replied her ladyship) I shall not be fool
enough to believe a madman, unless I were assured that your disorder proceeded
from your love: and that this was the case, I suppose you would find it
difficult to prove.« »Nay, Madam, (cried the youth) I have in this drawer, what
will convince you of my having been mad on that strain; and since you doubt my
pretensions, you must give me leave to produce my testimonials.« So saying, he
opened a scrutore, and taking out a paper, presented her with the following
song, which he had written in her praise, immediately after he was made
acquainted with the particulars of her story.
 
                                       I
While with fond rapture and amaze,
On thy transcendent charms I gaze,
My cautious soul essays in vain
Her peace and freedom to maintain:
Yet let that blooming form divine,
Where grace and harmony combine,
Those eyes, like genial orbs, that move,
Dispensing gladness, joy and love,
In all their pomp assail my view,
Intent my bosom to subdue;
My breast, by wary maxims steel'd,
Not all those charms shall force to yield.
 
                                       II
But, when invok'd to beauty's aid,
I see th' enlighten'd soul display'd;
That soul so sensibly sedate
Amid the storms of froward fate!
Thy genius active, strong and clear,
Thy wit sublime, tho' not severe,
The social ardour void of art,
That glows within thy candid heart;
My
