To smile at one malicious and yet kind; 300 Frank and yet cunning, with a heart to love And malice prompt--the serpent and the dove; Here could she dwell? or could she yet depart? Could she be artful? could she bear with art?-- This splendid mansion gave the cottage grace, She thought a dungeon was a happier place; And Colin pleading, when he pleaded best, Wrought not such sudden change in Jesse’s breast. The wondering maiden, who had only read Of such vile beings, saw them now with dread; 310 Safe in themselves--for nature has design’d The creature’s poison harmless to the kind; But all beside who in the haunts are found Must dread the poison, and must feel the wound. Days full of care, slow weary weeks pass’d on; Eager to go, still Jesse was not gone; Her time in trifling or in tears she spent, She never gave, she never felt content: The lady wonder’d that her humble guest Strove not to please, would neither lie nor jest; 320 She sought no news, no scandal would convey, But walk’d for health, and was at church to pray; All this displeased, and soon the widow cried: “Let me be frank--I am not satisfied; You know my wishes, I your judgment trust; You can be useful, Jesse, and you must; Let me be plainer, child--I want an ear, When I am deaf, instead of mine to hear; When mine is sleeping, let your eye awake; When I observe not, observation take; 330 Alas! I rest not on my pillow laid, Then threat’ning whispers make my soul afraid; The tread of strangers to my ear ascends, Fed at my cost, the minions of my friends; While you, without a care, a wish to please, Eat the vile bread of idleness and ease.” Th’ indignant girl astonish’d answer’d--“Nay! This instant, madam, let me haste away; Thus speaks my father’s, thus an orphan’s, friend? This instant, lady, let your bounty end.” 340 The lady frown’d indignant--“What!” she cried, “A vicar’s daughter with a princess’ pride! And pauper’s lot! but pitying I forgive; How, simple Jesse, do you think to live? Have I not power to help you, foolish maid? To my concerns be your attention paid; With cheerful mind th’ allotted duties take, And recollect I have a will to make.” Jesse, who felt as liberal natures feel, When thus the baser their designs reveal, 350 Replied--“Those duties were to her unfit, Nor would her spirit to her tasks submit.” In silent scorn the lady sate awhile, And then replied with stern contemptuous smile-- “Think you, fair madam, that you came to share Fortunes like mine without a thought or care? A guest, indeed! from every trouble free, Dress’d by my help, with not a care for me. When I a visit to your father made,