But lived, himself to humour and to please, 60 To count his money, and enjoy his ease. It pleased a neighbouring ’squire to recommend A faithful youth, as servant to his friend; Nay, more than servant, whom he praised for parts Ductile yet strong, and for the best of hearts; One who might ease him in his small affairs, With tenants, tradesmen, taxes, and repairs; Answer his letters, look to all his dues, And entertain him with discourse and news. The ’squire believed, and found the trusted youth 70 A very pattern for his care and truth; Not for his virtues to be praised alone, But for a modest mien and humble tone; Assenting always, but as if he meant Only to strength of reasons to assent: For was he stubborn, and retain’d his doubt, Till the more subtle ’squire had forced it out; Nay, still was right, but he perceived that strong And powerful minds could make the right the wrong. When the ’squire’s thoughts on some fair damsel dwelt, 80 The faithful friend his apprehensions felt; It would rejoice his faithful heart to find A lady suited to his master’s mind; But who deserved that master? who would prove That hers was pure, uninterested love? Although a servant, he would scorn to take A countess, till she suffer’d for his sake; Some tender spirit, humble, faithful, true, Such, my dear master! must be sought for you. Six months had pass’d, and not a lady seen, 90 With just this love, ’twixt fifty and fifteen; All seem’d his doctrine or his pride to shun, All would be woo’d, before they would be won; When the chance naming of a race and fair Our ’squire disposed to take his pleasure there. The friend profess’d, “although he first began To hint the thing, it seem’d a thoughtless plan: The roads, he fear’d, were foul, the days were short, The village far, and yet there might be sport.” “What! you of roads and starless nights afraid? 100 You think to govern! you to be obey’d!” Smiling he spoke; the humble friend declared His soul’s obedience, and to go prepared. The place was distant, but with great delight They saw a race, and hail’d the glorious sight: The ’squire exulted, and declared the ride Had amply paid, and he was satisfied. They gazed, they feasted, and, in happy mood, Homeward return’d, and hastening as they rode; For short the day, and sudden was the change 110 From light to darkness, and the way was strange; Our hero soon grew peevish, then distress’d; He dreaded darkness, and he sigh’d for rest: Going, they pass’d a village; but, alas! Returning saw no village to repass; The ’squire remember’d too a noble hall, Large as a church, and whiter than its wall: This he had noticed as they rode along,