The ductile spirit of my darling child.” “The maid is virtuous,” said the dame.--Quoth he, “Let her give proof, by acting virtuously: Is it in gaping when the elders pray? In reading nonsense half a summer’s day? In those mock forms that she delights to trace, Or her loud laughs in Hezekiah’s face? She--O Susannah!--to the world belongs; } 240 She loves the follies of its idle throngs, } And reads soft tales of love, and sings love’s } soft’ning songs. } But, as our friend is yet delay’d in town, We must prepare her till the youth comes down; You shall advise the maiden; I will threat; Her fears and hopes may yield us comfort yet.” Now the grave father took the lass aside, Demanding sternly, “Wilt thou be a bride?” She answer’d, calling up an air sedate, “I have not vow’d against the holy state.” 250 “No folly, Sybil,” said the parent; “know What to their parents virtuous maidens owe: A worthy, wealthy youth, whom I approve, Must thou prepare to honour and to love. Formal to thee his air and dress may seem, But the good youth is worthy of esteem; Shouldst thou with rudeness treat him, of disdain Should he with justice or of slight complain, Or of one taunting speech give certain proof: Girl! I reject thee from my sober roof.” 260 “My aunt,” said Sybil, “will with pride protect One whom a father can for this reject; Nor shall a formal, rigid, soul-less boy My manners alter, or my views destroy!” Jonas [then] lifted up his hands on high, } And, utt’ring something ’twixt a groan and sigh, } Left the determined maid her doubtful mother by. } “Hear me,” she said; “incline thy heart, my child, And fix thy fancy on a man so mild; Thy father, Sybil, never could be moved 270 By one who loved him, or by one he loved. Union like ours is but a bargain made By slave and tyrant--he will be obey’d, Then calls the quiet comfort;--but thy youth Is mild by nature, and as frank as truth.” “But will he love?” said Sybil; “I am told That these mild creatures are by nature cold.” “Alas!” the matron answer’d, “much I dread That dangerous love by which the young are led! That love is earthy; you the creature prize, 280 And trust your feelings and believe your eyes: Can eyes and feelings inward worth descry? No! my fair daughter, on our choice rely! Your love, like that display’d upon the stage, Indulged is folly, and opposed is rage;-- More prudent love our sober couples show, All that to mortal beings mortals owe. All flesh is grass--before you give a heart, Remember, Sybil, that in death you part; And, should your husband die before your love, 290