Where he resided was in much disgrace; 60 But never in his fancy’s proudest dream Did he the master of that mansion seem. Young was he then, and little did he know What years on care and diligence bestow; Now, young no more, retired to views well known, He finds that object of his awe his own: The Hall at Binning!--how he loves the gloom That sun-excluding window gives the room; Those broad brown stairs on which he loves to tread; Those beams within; without, that length of lead, 70 On which the names of wanton boys appear, Who died old men, and left memorials here-- Carvings of feet and hands, and knots and flowers, The fruits of busy minds in idle hours. Here, while our squire the modern part possess’d, } His partial eye upon the old would rest; } That best his comforts gave--this sooth’d his feelings best. } Here, day by day, withdrawn from busy life, No child t’ awake him, to engage no wife, When friends were absent, not to books inclined, 80 He found a sadness steal upon his mind; Sighing the works of former lords to see, “I follow them,” he cried, “but who will follow me?” Some ancient men whom he a boy had known He knew again; their changes were his own. Comparing now he view’d them, and he felt That time with him in lenient mood had dealt; While some the half-distinguish’d features bore } That he was doubtful if he saw before, } And some in memory lived, whom he must see no more. } 90 Here George had found, yet scarcely hoped to find, Companions meet, minds fitted to his mind; Here, late and loth, the worthy rector came, From college dinners and a fellow’s fame; Yet, here when fix’d, was happy to behold So near a neighbour in a friend so old. Boys on one form they parted, now to meet In equal state, their worships on one seat. Here were a sister-pair, who seem’d to live With more respect than affluence can give; 100 Although not affluent, they, by nature graced, Had sense and virtue, dignity and taste; Their minds by sorrows, by misfortunes tried, Were vex’d and heal’d, were pain’d and purified. Hither a sage physician came, and plann’d, With books his guides, improvements on his land; Nor less to mind than matter would he give His noble thoughts, to know how spirits live, And what is spirit; him his friends advised To think with fear; but caution he despised; 110 And hints of fear provoked him till he dared Beyond himself, nor bold assertion spared, But fiercely spoke, like those who strongly feel, “Priests and their craft, enthusiasts and their zeal.” More yet appear’d, of whom as we proceed-- Ah! yield not yet to languor--you shall read.