That Heaven her character had blent

With an imagination wild,

With intellect and strong volition

And a determined disposition,

An ardent heart and yet so mild? -

Doth love's incautiousness in her

So irremissible appear?

XXV.

O ye whom tender love hath pained

Without the ken of parents both,

Whose hearts responsive have remained

To the impressions of our youth,

The all-entrancing joys of love -

Young ladies, if ye ever strove

The mystic lines to tear away

A lover's letter might convey,

Or into bold hands anxiously

Have e'er a precious tress consigned,

Or even, silent and resigned,

When separation's hour drew nigh,

Have felt love's agitated kiss

With tears, confused emotions, bliss, -

XXVI.

With unanimity complete,

Condemn not weak Tattiana mine;

Do not cold-bloodedly repeat

The sneers of critics superfine;

And you, O maids immaculate,

Whom vice, if named, doth agitate

E'en as the presence of a snake,

I the same admonition make.

Who knows? with love's consuming flame

Perchance you also soon may burn,

Then to some gallant in your turn