The girl by force, might to his terms be brought! 
          His wretched temper, obstacle to love,
          And ev’ry bliss bestowed by heav’n above,
          Had oft his hopes of favours lately marred;
          And fear, with those designs, had also jarred: 
          The girl, howe’er, would likely have been kind,
          If opportunities had pleased her mind.

          Thelover, now convinced that he was feared;
          In dark designs upon her persevered. 
          No sooner had she entered, than our man
          Locked instantly the door, but vain his plan;
          To open it the princess had a key;
          The girl her fault perceived, and tried to flee;
          He held her fast; the charmer loudly called;
          The princess came—­or vainly she had squalled.

          Quitedisappointed:  overcome with ire,
          He wholly lost respect amid desire,
          And swore by all the gods, that, ere they went,
          The one or other should to him consent;
          Their hands he’d firmly tie to have his way;
          For help (the place so far) ’twere vain to pray;
          To take a lot was all that he’d allow;
          Come, draw, he said; to Fortune you must bow;
          No haggling I request—­comply; be still: 
          Resolved I am with one to have my will.

          Whathas the princess done? the girl replied,
          That you, to make her suffer, thus decide
          Yes, said the spark, if on her fall the lot,
          Then you’ll, at least for present, be forgot.

          No, cried Alaciel, ne’er I’ll have it said,
          To sacrifice I saw a maiden led;
          I’ll suffer rather all that you expect,
          If you will spare my friend as I direct. 
          ’Twas all in vain, the lots were drawn at last,
          And on the princess was the burthen cast;
          The other was permitted to retire,
          And each was sworn that nothing should transpire: 
          But our gallant would sooner have been hung,
          Than have upon such secrets held his tongue;
          ’Tis clear, no longer silent he remained,
          Than one to listen to his tale he’d gained.

          Thischange of favourites the princess grieved;
          That Cupid trifled with her she perceived;
          With much regret she saw her blooming charms,
          The Helen of too many Paris’ arms.

          Oneday it happened, as our beauteous belle
          Was sleeping in a wood beside a dell,
          By chance there passed, quite near, a wand’ring knight,
          Like those the ladies followed with delight,
          When they on palfreys rode in days of old,
          And purity were always thought to hold.