And, safe himself, his erring neighbours saved. Me he rejoiced a sister to behold Among the members of his favourite fold; 540 He had not sought me; the availing call Demanded all his love, and had it all; But, now thus met, it must be heaven’s design.-- Indeed! I thought; it never shall be mine!-- Yes, we must wed. He was not rich: and I Had of the earthly good a mean supply; But it sufficed. Of his conversion then He told, and labours in converting men; For he was chosen all their bands among-- Another Daniel! honour’d, though so young. 550 He call’d me sister; show’d me that he knew What I possess’d; and told what it would do; My looks, I judge, express’d my full disdain; } But it was given to the man in vain: } They preach till they are proud, and pride disturbs the brain. } Is this the youth once timid, mild, polite? How odious now, and sick’ning to the sight! Proud that he sees, and yet so truly blind, With all this blight and mildew on the mind! Amazed, the solemn creature heard me vow 560 That I was not disposed to take him now. “Then, art thou changed, fair maiden? changed thy heart?” I answered, “No; but I perceive thou art.” Still was my mother sad, her nerves relax’d, And our small income for advice was tax’d; When I, who long’d for change and freedom, cried, ‘Let sea and Sidmouth’s balmy air be tried.’ And so they were, and every neighbouring scene, That make the bosom, like the clime, serene; Yet were her teachers loth to yield assent; 570 And not without the warning voice we went; And there was secret counsel all unknown To me--but I had counsel of my own. And now there pass’d a portion of my time In ease delicious, and in joy sublime-- With friends endear’d by kindness--with delight In all that could the feeling mind excite, Or please, excited; walks in every place Where we could pleasure find and beauty trace, Or views at night, where on the rocky steep 580 Shines the full moon, or glitters on the deep. Yes, they were happy days; but they are fled! All now are parted--part are with the dead! Still it is pleasure, though ’tis mix’d with pain, To think of joys that cannot live again-- Here cannot live; but they excite desire Of purer kind, and heavenly thoughts inspire! And now my mother, weaken’d in her mind, Her will, subdued before, to me resign’d. Wean’d from her late directors, by degrees 590 She sank resign’d, and only sought for ease. In a small town upon the coast we fix’d, Nor in amusement with associates mix’d. My years--but other mode will I pursue, And count my time by what I sought to do. And was that mind at ease? could I avow