IN GREAT BRITAIN. 241 



So that the stream may flow, when thus confin'd 

 With force to turn a mill and corn to grind ; 

 Then near the floodgates is a narrow space ; 

 Hard of access, with reeds inclose a place : 

 The bending osiers will with ease allow 

 The stream retiring thro' the chinks to flow. 

 ***** 



The trout loves rivers in obscure retreats, 

 Thrown into standing water, she forgets 

 Her former beauty, and neglects her love, 

 And all the flesh will then insipid prove. 



***** 

 In the clear stream she casts her modest eyes, 

 And in a fillet her fair tresses lies. 

 While in this solitude she thus remains, 

 And dyes her beauteous face with various stains ; 

 It chanc'd the robber Lucius, thro' the shade, 

 With eager eyes perceiv'd the lovely maid ; 

 He saw and lov'd her riches, as her face, 

 For both her dress and form appear' d with equal grace. 

 The nymph now heard the rustling with affright ; 

 She saw a man, and trembled at the sight ; 

 Swiftly along the winding shore she fled, 

 And cry'd and vow'd, and call'd the gods to aid. 

 Truta despairing sought, with trembling speed, 

 A rock that overlopked the wat'ry mead ; 

 Hither she bent her course, the summit gain'd 

 And thought her virtue now might be maintain'd 

 Cheaply with loss of life : while here she stood, 

 And just prepared to leap into the flood, 

 Lucius approached, and while he held behind 

 Her flow'ry vest, that flutter'd in the wind, 



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