Page:Poems - Southey (1799) volume 2.djvu/53

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The worst of villains, viper-like, who coilAround the guileless female, so to stingThe heart that loves them?""Them," the spirit replied,A long and dreadful punishment awaits.For when the prey of want and infamy,Lower and lower still the victim sinks,Even to the depth of shame, not one lewd word,One impious imprecation from her lipsEscapes, nay not a thought of evil lurksIn the polluted mind, that does not pleadBefore the throne of Justice, thunder-tonguedAgainst the foul Seducer."Now they reach'dThe house of Penitence. CredulityStood at the gate, stretching her eager headAs tho' to listen; on her vacant face,A smile that promis'd premature assent;Tho' her Regret behind, a meagre Fiend,Disciplin'd sorely.
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