And shall we these with ridicule pursue, Because they did not what they could not do? If they their lot preferr’d, still why the jest On those who took the way they judged the best? But if they sought a change, and sought in vain, ’Tis worse than brutal to deride their pain-- But you will see them; see the man I praise, The kind protector in my troubled days, Himself in trouble; you shall see him now, And learn his worth! and my applause allow.” 40 This friend appear’d, with talents form’d to please, And with some looks of sprightliness and ease; To him indeed the ills of life were known, But misery had not made him all her own. They spoke on various themes, and George design’d To show his brother this, the favourite mind; To lead the friend, by subjects he could choose, } To paint himself, his life, and earlier views, } What he was bless’d to hope, what he was doom’d to lose. } They spoke of marriage, and he understood 50 Their call on him, and said, “It is not good To be alone, although alone to be Is freedom; so are men in deserts free; Men who unyoked and unattended groan, Condemn’d and grieved to walk their way alone. Whatever ills a married pair betide, Each feels a stay, a comfort, or a guide; ‘Not always comfort,’ will our wits reply.-- Wits are not judges, nor the cause shall try. “Have I not seen, when grief his visits paid, 60 That they were easier by communion made? True, with the quiet times and days serene, There have been flying clouds of care and spleen; But is not man, the solitary, sick Of his existence, sad and splenetic? And who will help him, when such evils come, To bear the pressure or to clear the gloom? “Do you not find, that joy within the breast Of the unwedded man is soon suppress’d; While, to the bosom of a wife convey’d, 70 Increase is by participation made?-- The lighted lamp that gives another light, Say, is it by th’ imparted blaze less bright? Are not both gainers when the heart’s distress Is so divided that the pain is less? And when the tear has stood in either eye, Love’s sun shines out, and they are quickly dry.” He ended here--but would he not confess, How came these feelings on his mind to press? He would! nor fear’d his weakness to display 80 To men like them; their weakness too had they. Bright shone the fire, wine sparkled, sordid care Was banish’d far, at least appear’d not there; A kind and social spirit each possess’d, And thus began his tale the friendly guest. * * * * *