The western borders were with crimson spread,
The moon, descending, look'd all flaming red;
She thought good manners bound her to invite
The stranger dame to be her guest that night.
'Tis true, coarse diet, and a short repast,
(She said,) were weak inducements to the taste
Of one so nicely bred, and so unus'd to fast ;
But what plain fare her cottage could afford,
(A hearty welcome, at a homely board,)
Was freely her's; and, to supply the rest,
An honest meaning, and an open breast:
Last, with content of mind, the poor man's
's wealth,
A grace-cup to their common patron's health.
This, she desir'd her to accept, and stay,
For fear she might be wilder'd in her way;
Because she wanted an unerring guide:
And, then, the dew-drops on her silken hide,
Her tender constitution did declare,
Too lady-like a long fatigue to bear,
And rough inclemencies of raw nocturnal air:
But most she fear'd, that, travelling so late,
Some evil-minded beasts might lie in wait, 689
And, without witness, wreak their hidden hate.
The Panther, though she lent a list'ning ear,
Had more of lion in her than to fear;
Yet, wisely weighing, since she had to deal
With many foes, their numbers might prevail,
Return'd her all the thanks she could afford;
And took her friendly hostess at her word: