Its sable shroud, his ghost, appearing

There on the bank or in a clearing,

Would frighten lonely fishermen.

RUSLAN AND LYUDMILA: CANTO THE THIRD.

You tried to stay from all eyes hidden

Save friendship's own, my verse-in vain!

To envy's scrutiny unbidden

Are you subjected all the same.

A mindless critic has already

The ticklish question asked me, why,

As if to mock Ruslan, his lady

I have been calling "maid".

Now, I

Appeal to you, my good, kind reader,

Does not with his lips malice speak?

Come, Zoilus, come, sly-tongued schemer -

What fitting answer can I make?

Blush, wretch, and God be with you, argue

With you I'll not, my heart is free

Of tainted thought, and silent, mark you,

I stay, kept so by modesty.

Dull Hymen's victim, you, Climene,

Will understand; yes, I can see you

Gaze downward languidly, for me you

Feel deeply, sweet.... A tear falls, then

Another on the lines my pen

Has scribbled; clear are they, I know,

To hearts like yours; you flush, the glow

Fades from your eye, your muted sigh is

Most eloquent-a time of trials

Is nearing.... Quake, O jealous one!

For wilful Love with Anger mated

A plot lays-yes, well may you frown:

Your brow inglorious is fated