Could it for errors, follies, sins atone, Or give thee comfort, thoughtful and alone? It has, believe me, maid, no power to charm 410 Thy soul from sorrow, or thy flesh from harm: Turn then, fair creature, from a world of sin, And seek the jewel happiness within.” “Speak’st thou at meeting?” said the nymph; “thy speech Is that of mortal very prone to teach; But wouldst thou, doctor, from the patient learn Thine own disease?--The cure is thy concern.” “Yea, with good will.”--“Then know, ’tis thy complaint, That, for a sinner, thou’rt too much a saint; Hast too much show of the sedate and pure, 420 And without cause art formal and demure: This makes a man unsocial, unpolite; Odious when wrong, and insolent if right. Thou may’st be good, but why should goodness be Wrapt in a garb of such formality? Thy person well might please a damsel’s eye, In decent habit with a scarlet dye; But, jest apart--what virtue canst thou trace In that broad brim that hides thy sober face? Does that long-skirted drab, that over-nice 430 And formal clothing, prove a scorn of vice? Then for thine accent--what in sound can be So void of grace as dull monotony? Love has a thousand varied notes to move The human heart--thou may’st not speak of love Till thou hast cast thy formal ways aside, And those becoming youth and nature tried; Not till exterior freedom, spirit, ease, Prove it thy study and delight to please; Not till these follies meet thy just disdain, 440 While yet thy virtues and thy worth remain.” “This is severe!--Oh! maiden, wilt not thou Something for habits, manners, modes, allow?”-- “Yes! but allowing much, I much require, In my behalf, for manners, modes, attire!” “True, lovely Sybil; and, this point agreed, Let me to those of greater weight proceed: Thy father”--“Nay,” she quickly interposed, “Good doctor, here our conference is closed!” Then left the youth, who, lost in his retreat, 450 Pass’d the good matron on her garden-seat; His looks were troubled, and his air, once mild And calm, was hurried:--“My audacious child!” Exclaim’d the dame, “I read what she has done In thy displeasure--Ah! the thoughtless one; But yet, Josiah, to my stern good man Speak of the maid as mildly as you can. Can you not seem to woo a little while The daughter’s will, the father to beguile, So that his wrath in time may wear away? 460 Will you preserve our peace, Josiah? say!” “Yes! my good neighbour,” said the gentle youth, “Rely securely on my care and truth; And, should thy comfort with my efforts cease, And only then--perpetual is thy peace.” The dame had doubts: she well his virtues knew, His deeds were friendly, and his words were true;