1831.] Pall-Mall Poetry. 619 



The lady laughed and flirted with the men 

 No proof, you'll say, such love was hers to hide 



Flattered the author's, praised the critic's pen, 

 And drew by turns, each lounger to her side. 



In fact, I'm told it really happened then, 



So far from deeming love her heart had tried, 



She made a sudden set, betwixt the sets, 



And carried off a pair of epaulettes. 



In short, to such a .pitch was this flirtation 



Carried, that all who saw the couple said 

 It was a match. By this, and by relation, 



The circumstance with fresh additions spread. 

 The day was fixed it caused a slight sensation ; - 



The dresses made, and marriage contracts read ; 

 When, all at once, the tale that was afloat, 

 To every one's surprisal changed its note. 



Great alterations (these we daily read of), 



By trifling things, are made in our concerns ; 

 A goose- a watchful and a sacred breed of 



Saved Rome ; the story every school-boy learns. 

 Our heroine's lot was changed now this take heed of 



By (I would hint, when love no longer burns, 

 They make a healing mixture from the poppy) 

 A note, of which the following is a copy : 



" 'Tis not to blame you, STELLA, I address 



" Alas ! that so it is this parting line ; 

 " The weakness few could strive with and suppress 



" Deserved a punishment the fault was mine 

 ' Which ends the sweetest dream of happiness, 



" And bids me every cherished hope resign. 

 " I shall not murmur at my lot, nor swell 

 " With one word of reproach this last farewell ! 



" They say you wed another. Be it so. 



" Your friends approve, and why should I regret ? 

 " If you are happy this at least you know 



" My wish is answered. I've but to forget, 

 " If it may be, and bend me to a blow 



" Not all deserved. The trial must be met, 

 tf And pride the thought is madness ! put in train 

 " To look the lie to feelings that enchain. 



" I sought you, loved you, lived for you alone, 

 " To you my every earthly thought was given ; 



" My heart could not its agonies atone ? 



" By love, and only love, was swayed and driven. 



" The slight might move, but not teach to disown, 

 " The pledge you gave should not for this be given ; 



(< My true affection wrought my jealousy, 



" And winged the shaft which now recoils on me ! 



" STELLA, farewell! the joy I cannot share 



" I must not witness. Far away, and free, 

 " To other lands the wanderer must bear 



" The fate he finds. Blessed may you ever be ! 

 " My first my fondest wish my latest prayer 



" Shall spring for this in life's last agony. 

 " Reproach me, blame me yet thus far believe, 

 " When most it loved, my heart did most deceive." 

 4 K 2 



