University of Virginia Library

previous section The bridal of Vaumond
next section

III.

But not again may she tempt its shade,
Till the vow is plighted, the blessing said,
That, like the holy man of old,
As chroniclers inspired have told,

The Maltese say that the Apostle Paul banished all venomous reptiles from the island when he shook off the serpent. Brydone.


From the fair isle of love and bliss
Charm all the venom'd things that hiss,
And rob the serpent of his sting,
At virtue's shrine meet offering.
previous section The bridal of Vaumond
next section