University of Virginia Library

HOW CRUEL ARE THE PARENTS

I

How cruel are the parents
Who riches only prize,
And to the wealthy booby
Poor Woman sacrifice!
Meanwhile the hapless daughter
Has but a choice of strife:
To shun a tyrant father's hate
Become a wretched wife!

II

The ravening hawk pursuing,
The trembling dove thus flies:
To shun impending ruin
Awhile her pinion tries,

239

Till, of escape despairing,
No shelter or retreat,
She trusts the ruthless falconer,
And drops beneath his feet.