BOOK I.

THE CAUSE.

"A lady should not scorn One soul that loves her, howe'er lowly it be."

BARRY CORNWALL.

"'Twere idle to remember now, Had I the heart, my thwarted schemes. I bear beneath this alter'd brow The ashes of a thousand dreams-- Some wrought of wild Ambition's fingers, Some colour'd of Love's pencil well--

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Ambition has but foil'd my grasp, And Love has perish'd in my clasp."

_Melanie._