Psyche, and other poems — page 116: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

v -~ it al y > 9S . Thus cheered, the knight entreats her to impart The dangers which her way had since befel,- Her timid lips refuse to speak the art Which clothed him in a form she loved so well: That she had thought him Love, she blushed to tell! Confused she stopt; a gentle pause ensued ; What chance had brought him to the demon’s cell She then inquires ; what course he had pursued, And who his steps had led throughout the mazy wood. | Soothe he had much to say, though modest shame His gallant deeds forbade him to declare ; For while through those bewildering woods he came, Assisted by his page’s active care, | He had detected Varia’s wily snare, And forced her wanton retinue to flee. With like disgrace, malignant in despair, Disfida’s slaves their plots defeated see, Their feeble malice scorned, their destined victims free. But he had marked the traces of their feet, And found the path which to the cavern led: Whence now, rejoicing in reunion sweet, Their way together cheerfully they tread, Exempt awhile from danger and from dread; ‘ ' ‘While Psyche’s heart, with confidence more bold, ~ Full oft the hour of rapture pictured, When those celestial charms she should behold, And feel the arms of Love once more his bride enfold. r i ' 4 “ Cor a