Speaks a wild speech with action all as wild- THE MOTHER THERE was a worthy, but a simple Pair, Who nursed a Daughter, fairest of the fair: And Dorothea, from her infant years, Gain'd all her wishes from their pride or fears: She wrote a billet, and a novel read, And with her fame her vanity was fed; Each word, each look, each action was a cause By nature cold, our Heiress stoop'd to art, Hence at her door must suppliant paupers stand, She talk'd of virtuous love and union sweet; And she was 66 sure her parents, if alive, "Would many comforts for their child contrive: The gentle Husband bade her name him one; "No-that," she answer'd, "should for her be done; "How could she say what pleasures were around? "But she was certain many might be found.". "Would she some seaport, Weymouth, Scarborough, grace ?” "He knew she hated every watering-place : "— "The town? "What! now 'twas empty, joyless, dull?" "In winter?" "No; she liked it worse when full." She talk'd of building—“ Would she plan a room?”"No! she could live, as he desired, in gloom: " "And they might come and fill his ugly hall; "A noisy vulgar set, he knew she scorn'd them all: “Then might their two dear girls the time employ, "And their improvement yield a solid joy ;""Solid indeed! and heavy-oh! the bliss "Of teaching letters to a lisping miss!". "My dear, my gentle Dorothea, say, "Can I oblige you?”- "You may go away." Twelve heavy years this patient soul sustain'd This wasp's attacks, and then her praise obtain’d, Graved on a marble tomb, where he at peace remain'd. Two daughters wept their loss; the one a child With a plain face, strong sense, and temper mild, Who keenly felt the Mother's angry taunt, "Thou art the image of thy pious Aunt:" Long time had Lucy wept her slighted face, And then began to smile at her disgrace. Her father's sister, who the world had seen Near sixty years when Lucy saw sixteen, Begg'd the plain girl: the gracious Mother smiled, And freely gave her grieved but passive child; And with her elder-born, the beauty blest, This parent rested, if such minds can rest: No miss her waxen babe could so admire, Nurse with such care, or with such pride attire; They were companions meet, with equal mind, Bless'd with one love, and to one point inclined; Beauty to keep, adorn, increase, and guard, The daughter's charms increased, the parent's yet remain❜d. Leave we these ladies to their daily care, There was such goodness, such pure nature seen Among their chosen friends, a favour'd few, His friends, a lofty race, their native pride Had watch'd the youthful priest with jealous eye ; |