Morning Excursion-Lady at Silford, who?-Reflections on Delay -Cecilia and Henry-The Lovers contracted-Visit to the Patron-Whom he finds there-Fanny described-The yielding of Vanity-Delay-Resentment-Want of Resolution-Further Entanglement-Danger-How met-Conclusion. TALES OF THE HALL. BOOK XIII. DELAY HAS DANGER. THREE weeks had pass'd, and Richard rambles now He rode to Farley Grange and Finley Mere, Rises a mountain-rock in rugged pride; And in that rock are shapes of shells, and forms Whose generations lived and died ere man, There is a town call'd Silford, where his steed As one whom taste and wealth had jointly bless'd; "This was the lady whom her lover bound "In solemn contract, and then proved unsound: "Of this affair I have a clouded view, "And should be glad to have it clear'd by you." So Richard spake, and instant George replied, "Frail was the hero of my tale, but still "Some without meaning into guilt advance, "From want of guard, from vanity, from chance "Man's weakness flies his more immediate pain, "A little respite from his fears to gain; "And takes the part that he would gladly fly, "If he had strength and courage to deny. "But now my tale, and let the moral say, "When hope can sleep, there's Danger in Delay. "Not that for rashness, Richard, I would plead, "For unadvised alliance: No, indeed: "Think ere the contract-but, contracted, stand "No more debating, take the ready hand: "When hearts are willing, and when fears subside, "Trust not to time, but let the knot be tied; "For when a lover has no more to do, "He thinks in leisure, what shall I pursue? "And then who knows what objects come in view? "For when, assured, the man has nought to keep "His wishes warm and active, then they sleep: Hopes die with fears; and then a man must lose "All the gay visions, and delicious views, "Once his mind's wealth! He travels at his ease, "Nor horrors now nor fairy-beauty sees; "When the kind goddess gives the wish'd assent, "No mortal business should the deed prevent; VOL. II. M |