284 
being thus generally only partially known are here reproduced to 
complete the story. 
I. 
Uncouth is this moss cover’d grotto of stone, 
And damp is the shade of this dew dripping tree ; 
Yet I this rude grotto with rapture will own ; 
And willow, thy damps are refreshing to me. 
7 
- 
For this is the grotto where Delia reclin’d 
As late I in secret her confidence sought ; 
And this is the tree kept her safe from the wind, 
As blushing she heard the grave lesson I taught. 
3: 
Then tell me, thou grotto of moss cover’d stone, 
And tell me, thou willow, with leaves dripping dew, 
Did Delia seem vex’d when Horatio was gone? 
And did she confess her resentment to you? 
4. 
Methinks now each bough as you’re waving it, tries 
To whisper a cause for the sorrow I feel ; 
To hint how she frown’d when I dared to advise, 
And sigh’d when she saw that I did it with zeal. 
5. 
True, true, silly leaves, so she did, I allow ; 
She frown’d ; but no rage in her looks did I see ; 
She frown’d ; but reflection had clouded her brow ; 
She sigh’d ; but, perhaps, ’twas in pity for me. 
6. 
Then wave thy leaves brisker, thou willow of woe ; 
I tell thee no rage in her looks could I see ; 
I cannot, I will not, believe it was so ; 
She was not, she could not be angry with me. 
7: 
For well did she know that my heart meant no wrong ; 
It sunk at the thought but of giving her pain ; 
But trusted its task toa faltering tongue, 
Which err’d from the feelings it could not explain. 
8. 
Yet, oh! if indeed, I’ve offended the maid ; 
If Delia my humble monition refuse ; 
Sweet willow, the next time she visits thy shade, 
Fan gently her bosom, and plead my excuse. 
