“How shall I now my unknown way explore, He proud and rich--I very proud and poor? Perhaps my friend a dubious speech mistook, And George may meet me with a stranger’s look; Then to my home when I return again, } How shall I bear this business to explain, } 300 And tell of hopes raised high, and feelings hurt, in } vain? } “How stands the case? My brother’s friend and mine Met at an inn, and sat them down to dine: When, having settled all their own affairs, And kindly canvass’d such as were not theirs, Just as my friend was going to retire-- ‘Stay!--you will see the brother of our squire,’ Said his companion; ‘be his friend, and tell The captain that his brother loves him well, And, when he has no better thing in view, 310 Will be rejoiced to see him. Now, adieu!’ Well! here I am; and, brother, take you heed, I am not come to flatter you and feed; You shall no soother, fawner, hearer find, I will not brush your coat, nor smooth your mind; I will not hear your tales the whole day long, Nor swear you’re right if I believe you wrong. Nor be a witness of the facts you state, Nor as my own adopt your love or hate: I will not earn my dinner when I dine, 320 By taking all your sentiments for mine; Nor watch the guiding motions of your eye, Before I venture question or reply; Nor when you speak affect an awe profound, Sinking my voice, as if I fear’d the sound; Nor to your looks obediently attend, The poor, the humble, the dependant friend; Yet, son of that dear mother could I meet-- But lo! the mansion--’tis a fine old seat!” The Brothers met, with both too much at heart 330 To be observant of each other’s part. “Brother, I’m glad,” was all that George could say, Then stretch’d his hand, and turn’d his head away; For he in tender tears had no delight, But scorn’d the thought, and ridiculed the sight; Yet now with pleasure, though with some surprise, He felt his heart o’erflowing at his eyes. Richard, mean time, made some attempts to speak, Strong in his purpose, in his trial weak; We cannot nature by our wishes rule, 340 Nor at our will her warm emotions cool;-- At length affection, like a risen tide, Stood still, and then seem’d slowly to subside; Each on the other’s looks had power to dwell, And Brother Brother greeted passing well. TALES OF THE HALL. BOOK II. _THE BROTHERS._ Further Account of the Meeting--Of the Men--The Mother--The Uncle--The private Tutor--The second Husband--Dinner Conversation-- School of the Rector and Squire--The Master. TALES OF THE HALL. BOOK II. _THE BROTHERS._