248 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
undefined apprehension, and from the torpid monotony 
of seclusion to the awakened liberty of thought; 
while hope presented a prism through which she saw 
the wide field of existence tinged with the most 
brilliant hues, and diversified with the most beautiful 
objects. 
These frequent interviews between the lovely Par- 
see and the young Englishman ripened by degrees in- 
to a warmth of attachment that finally broke down 
the barrier of social prejudices, and opened a familiar 
intercourse : it was reciprocal, and alike dear to 
both. There existed the warmest affection between 
them, which was mutually recognised and acknow- 
ledged. In proportion to her innocence was the un- 
mingled confidence which the Parsee girl reposed in 
the man who had won the affections of her young and 
guileless heart. 
She loves, but knows not whom she loves — 
Nor what his race, nor whence he came : 
Like one who meets in Indian groves 
Some beauteous bird without a name, 
Brought by the last ambrosial breeze 
From isles in undiscover’d seas 
To show his plumage for a day 
To wondering eyes, and wing away. 
Will he thus fly — her nameless lover 1 
Allah forbid ! 
His feelings were no less ardent ; and though in 
the object of his earnest attachment he saw a being 
whose mind was darkened by the absurdities of a 
Sabean creed, yet he distinguished such a clear cen- 
tral light of moral purity amid the spiritual darkness 
