"The few I've seen and deemed of worth to win
Like some sweet flowret mildewed, in my arms,
Withered to hidiousness--foul ev'n as sin--
Grew fearful hags; and then with potent charm [FN#14]
[FN#14] One of the most striking absurdities in the lately-
dispelled superstition of witchcraft, is the extreme hidiousness and
misery usually ascribed to such as made use of the agency of evil
spirits. I have therefore made it the result of an unforeseen
necessity: no female can be supposed to purchase, voluntarily, the
power of doing mischief to others at the price of beauty and every
thing like happiness on her own part.
"Of muttered word and harmful drug, did learn
To force me to their will. Down the damp grave
Loathing, I went at Endor, and uptorn
Brought back the dead; when tortured Saul did crave,
"To view his pending fate. Fair--nay, as this
Young slumberer, that dread witch; when, I arrayed
In lovely shape, to meet my guileful kiss
She yielded first her lip. And thou, sweet maid--
What is't I see?--a recent tear has strayed
And left its stain upon her cheek of bliss.--