And stood before the planter, Dalton Earl!

"Forgive," he said, "Forgiveness is a slave;

She has no pride, she never does an ill;

For she is meekly great, and nobly good,

And patient, though the lash of anger smites."

Rebuked, the master stood before the slave,

And Richard Wain passed on, nor knew his life

Was saved by one that he had that day wronged.

Thus Dalton Earl: "I thank you for this act,

Thwarting a bad intent. Yet I had cause

To take the sullied life of Richard Wain.

He drugged the wine he gave me at his house,

And knowing that I had with me the deed

And title of my lands, begged me to play,

And while I played, stake all upon a card.

He won, and I have hated from that hour."

XIV.

Like some great thought that finds release at last,

The happy Spring in buds expression found.

Coralline Earl grew rich in every grace.

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