The Anglican Friar, and the Fish which he Took by Hook and by Crook. active 19th century Novice

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      But though her timid manner fled away

      (Like mist at morning 'fore the sunny ray),

      My suit, alas! progressed but little way,

      For diffidence my lips would ever seal

      When most I wished my passion to reveal;

      From the dread fear the spell might thus be broke

      My trembling voice grew dumb and never spoke.

      A hint I from my guardian too received.

      'My boy,' said he, 'I hope you'll not be grieved,

      But be advised, at this your dawn of life,

      To start your course unburdened with a wife;

      Not that I doubt the value of your choice,

      Your conduct ever makes my heart rejoice.

      Still wait a while until your skill and fame

      Shall add a doctor's title to your name;

      You'll then have seen the ways, and struggles, too,

      Of this vain world (placed in their proper view),

      And p'rhaps may many anxious moments save,

      The heart, that, loving loves unto the grave.'

      "Time crept—I toiled in spite of failing strength,

      And through th' examination passed at length

      With honours crowned, when as my health waxed low,

      I homeward wished for some few weeks to go.

      I fixed the day, but did not let them know,

      That unexpected I myself might show.

      But on the morn at eve of starting came

      A letter, signed with her loved mother's name;

      Which told my heart how vainly passion raged—

      Rosina to another was engaged.

      What then took place I've scarcely power to say,

      For sense and reason nearly broke away,

      While I had surely cleft the foaming sea

      Had not my man rushed forth and hindered me;

      For all that night, in spite of wind and rain,

      I paced the deck to cool my burning brain.

      But ere again the vessel touched the land

      I calmer grew, and gained my self-command;

      And gave him orders never to make known

      The great excitement I had lately shown.

      "Arrived at home I entered quietly,

      And found my uncle in deep reverie;

      So much absorbed he did not notice me.

      I sat me down. 'Poor fellow!' muttered he,

      'This is indeed an unexpected blow—

      I never dreamt that matters could end so;

      It will affect him heavily, I fear—

      O that I could his wounded spirit cheer!'

      'Uncle,' I rising said, 'behold, I'm here!'

      He started, grasped my hand, while swift a tear,

      Pursued by others, bounded off his cheek;

      His swelling heart appeared too full to speak.

      But soon recov'ring from the first surprise,

      To calm my grief he unavailing tries;

      (For age and youth behold with diff'ring eyes,

      And one as well a vessel might advise

      Straight on unmoved its chart-drawn course to keep,

      When fiercely battling with the raging deep,

      As tell a youthful heart, by anguish torn,

      To calm its poignant grief, and cease to mourn.)

      "I struggled hard but long could not sustain,

      For cold and fever seized my care-worn brain;

      My health, by over-study much impaired,

      For this encounter was but ill prepared.

      For weeks unconscious in this state I lay,

      My life, despaired of, nearly sank away;

      Until sweet Hope appeared with healing beam,

      And I awoke as from a pleasant dream.

      I dreamt my love had watched my bed beside,

      And nursed me till within her arms I died.

      A step approached—oh! could that form be she?

      I closed my eyes and slumb'ring seemed to be;

      What would I not have given then to tell!

      But yet I would not, dared not, break the spell.

      'Have I been wise?' a voice beside me said,

      And gently smoothed the pillow 'neath my head;

      'Have I done right, in giving thus away

      The heart he deemed was his until that day?

      Oh, cruel fate! my love I must forsake,

      Or else the heart that loved so true will break.

      This I'll resolve, if he to health revives,

      And for my hand again as suitor strives,

      I'll fancy that we were betrothed before,

      And try to love him as we loved of yore.'

      What joy! what bliss! what rapture! filled my heart.

      'One word, and I from her shall never part.

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