Oh! how fallen is the gleaner! Pity then a stranger’s fate. Though I’m poor, I might be meaner,— Vice doth near my steps await. Stranger hast thou tasted sorrow? No. Thy heart forever gay, Lookst with hope upon tomorrow,— Yields itself to joy this day. IV Wealth is thine and friends and power— All which earth or Heaven can give Whilst round us misfortunes lour— Gleaning all our means to live Poverty will wound the keener, More the use of wealth we know: Pity then the hapless gleaner Pity, and thy gifts bestow. THE TWO COUSINS. MRS. LEYSTER. CONSTANTINIA. } her two daughters. HELEN. } ALICIA, their cousin. MRS. SYDNEY. HARRIOT. * * * * * CONSTANTIA. ALICIA. MRS. LEYSTER. MRS. SYDNEY. HARRIOT. M. PECK. C. ROCKWELL. MRS. MCNEIL. M. HOFFMAN. M. BEECHER. _Scene I._ (MRS. LEYSTER _and_ CONSTANCE.) MRS. LEYSTER. My dear Constance, young as you are, I hope and believe I may depend on your prudence. I am a happy mother, in being able thus early to place a confidence in my child! [Illustration: PL. XIX.—“THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC” Partly embroidered in chenille, and partly painted in water-colors, by Zerviah Miner, Pupil, 1823 ] CONSTANTIA, (_kissing her hand with tears in her eyes_.) Oh, Mama, never, never will I abuse it; my heart promises, and you may depend upon that heart, which owes not only the power of keeping a secret but everything it owns of goodness to you! MRS. LEYSTER, (_affected_.) My dear child! CONSTANTIA. But Mama, I hope I am not inquisitive, but you seemed to say you would tell me— MRS. LEYSTER. What disturbed me; I will, my dear, indeed I will read to you your Aunt’s letter. (MRS. LEYSTER, _reading a letter_.)