y I may not use the privilege of
my distemper, so far as to declare myself one of your most passionate
admirers."--"If you do," replied her ladyship, "I shall not be fool
enough to believe a madman, unless I were assured that your disorder
proceeded from your love; and that this was the case, I suppose you will
find it difficult to prove."--"Nay, madam," cried the youth, "I have in
this drawer what will convince you of my having been mad on that strain;
and, since you doubt my pretension, you must give me leave to produce
my testimonials." So saying, he opened an escrutoire, and taking out a
paper, presented her with the following song, which he had written
in her praise, immediately after he was made acquainted with the
particulars of her story:

I.
While with fond rapture and amaze,
On thy transcendent charms I gaze,
My cautious soul essays in vain
Her peace and freedom to maintain;
yet let that blooming form divine,
Where grace and harmony combine;
Those eyes, like genial orbs that move,
Dispensing gladness, joy, and love;
in all their pomp assail my view,
Intent my bosom to subdue;
My breast, by wary maxims steel'd,
Not all those charms shall force to yield.

II.
But, when invok'd to Beauty's aid,
I see the enlighten'd soul display'd,
That soul so sensibly sedate
Amid the storms of froward fate!
Thy genius active, strong, and clear,
Thy wit sublime, though not severe,
The social ardour, void of art,
That glows within thy candid heart;
My spirits, sense, and strength decay,
My resolution dies away,
And, every faculty oppress'd,
Almighty love invades my breast!

Her ladyship having perused this production, "Were I inclined to
be suspicious," said she, "I should believe that I had no share in
producing this composition, which seems to have been inspired by a much
more amiable object. However, I will take your word for your intention,
and thank you for the unmerited compliment, though I have met with it
in such an accidental manner. Nevertheless, I must be so free as to tell
you, it is now high time for you to contract that unbounded spirit of
gallantry, which you have indulged so long, into a sincere attachment
for the fair Emilia, who, by all accounts, deserves the whole of your
attention and regard." His nerves thrilled at mention of that na