To a small house (his brother's) he withdrew, At easy rent--the man was not a Jew; And there his losses and his cares he bore, Nor found that want of wealth could make him poor. 150 No, he in fact was rich; nor could he move, But he was follow'd by the looks of love; All he had suffer'd, every former grief, Made those around more studious in relief; He saw a cheerful smile in every face, And lost all thoughts of error and disgrace. Pleasant it was to see them in their walk Round their small garden, and to hear them talk; Free are their children, but their love refrains From all offence--none murmurs, none complains; 160 Whether a book amused them, speech or play, Their looks were lively, and their hearts were gay; There no forced efforts for delight were made, Joy came with prudence, and without parade; Their common comforts they had all in view, Light were their troubles, and their wishes few; Thrift made them easy for the coming day; Religion took the dread of death away; A cheerful spirit still insured content, And love smiled round them wheresoe'er they went. 170 Walter, meantime, with all his wealth's increase, Gain'd many points, but could not purchase peace; When he withdrew from business for an hour, Some fled his presence, all confess'd his power; He sought affection, but received instead Fear undisguised, and love-repelling dread; He look'd around him--"Harriet, dost thou love?"-- "I do my duty," said the timid dove;-- "Good Heav'n, your duty! prithee, tell me now-- To love and honour--was not that your vow? 180 Come, my good Harriet, I would gladly seek Your inmost thought--Why can't the woman speak? Have you not all things?"--"Sir, do I complain?"-- "No, that's my part, which I perform in vain; I want a simple answer, and direct-- But you evade; yes! 'tis as I suspect. Come then, my children! Watt! upon your knees Vow that you love me."--"Yes, sir, if you please."-- "Again! by Heav'n, it mads me; I require Love, and they'll do whatever I desire. 190 Thus too my people shun me; I would spend A thousand pounds to get a single friend; I would be happy--I have means to pay For love and friendship, and you run away; Ungrateful creatures! why, you seem to dread My very looks; I know you wish me dead. Come hither, Nancy! you must hold me dear; Hither, I say; why! what have you to fear? You see I'm gentle--Come, you trifler, come; My God! she trembles! Idiot, leave the room! 200 Madam! your children hate me; I suppose They know their cue; you make them all my foes; I've not a friend in all the world--not one: I'd be a bankrupt sooner; nay, 'tis done; In every better hope of life I fail; You're all tormentors, and my house a jail; Out of my sight! I'll sit and make my will--