That tremble round a nightingale-in sighs But this whole hour your eyes have been intent On that veil'd picture — veil'd, for what it holds May not be dwelt on by the common day. This prelude has prepared thee. Raise thy soul; Make thine heart ready with thine eyes: the time Is come to raise the veil. Behold her there, As I beheld her ere she knew my heart, And often thought "I'll make them man and wife." Now Dora felt her uncle's will in all, And yearn'd towards William ; but the youth, because He had been always with her in the house, Thought not of Dora. Then there came a day When Allan call'd his son, and said, "My son, I married late; but I would wish to see My grandchild on my knees before I die : And I have set my heart upon a match. VOL. II. 3 Now therefore look to Dora; she is well To look to thrifty too beyond her age. She is my brother's daughter: he and I Had once hard words, and parted, and he died His daughter Dora: take her for your wife; For many years." But William answer'd short, "I cannot marry Dora; by my life, I will not marry Dora." Then the old man That made me, you shall pack, and nevermore And broke away. The more he look'd at her The less he liked her; and his ways were harsh; But Dora bore them meekly. Then before The month was out he left his father's house, Then, when the bells were ringing, Allan call'd His niece and said, "My girl, I love you well; But if you speak with him that was my son, And days went on, and there was born a boy On William, and in harvest time he died. Then Dora went to Mary. Mary sat And look'd with tears upon her boy, and thought Hard things of Dora. Dora came and said, |