51
THE FATAL PLEDGE.
"Pledge me with wine," the maiden cried, Her tones were gay and light;"From others you have turned aside, I claim your pledge to-night."
The blood rushed to the young man's cheek Then left it deadly pale;Beneath the witchery of her smile He felt his courage fail.
For many years he'd been a slave To the enchanting bowl,Until he grasped with eager hands The reins of self-control;
And struggled with his hated thrall, Until he rent his chain,And strove to stand erect and free, And be a man again.
When others came with tempting words He coldly turned aside,But she who held the sparkling cup Was his affianced bride;
And like a vision of delight, Bright, beautiful and fair,With thoughtless words she wove for him The meshes of despair.
