Who, though a younger brother, might address A younger sister, fearless of success. His friends, a lofty race, their native pride At first display’d, and their assent denied; 120 But, pleased such virtues and such love to trace, They own’d she would adorn the loftiest race. The aunt, a mother’s caution to supply, Had watch’d the youthful priest with jealous eye; And, anxious for her charge, had view’d unseen The cautious life that keeps the conscience clean. In all she found him all she wish’d to find, With slight exception of a lofty mind: A certain manner that express’d desire, To be received as brother to the ’squire. 130 Lucy’s meek eye had beam’d with many a tear, Lucy’s soft heart had beat with many a fear, Before he told (although his looks, she thought, Had oft confess’d) that he her favour sought; But when he kneel’d, (she wish’d him not to kneel,) And spoke the fears and hopes that lovers feel; When too the prudent aunt herself confess’d, Her wishes on the gentle youth would rest; The maiden’s eye with tender passion beam’d, She dwelt with fondness on the life she schemed-- 140 The household cares, the soft and lasting ties Of love, with all his binding charities; Their village taught, consoled, assisted, fed, Till the young zealot tears of pleasure shed. But would her mother? Ah! she fear’d it wrong To have indulged these forward hopes so long; Her mother loved, but was not used to grant Favours so freely as her gentle aunt.-- Her gentle aunt, with smiles that angels wear, Dispell’d her Lucy’s apprehensive tear: 150 Her prudent foresight the request had made To one whom none could govern, few persuade; She doubted much if one in earnest woo’d A girl with not a single charm endued; The sister’s nobler views she then declared, And what small sum for Lucy could be spared; “If more than this the foolish priest requires, Tell him,” she wrote, “to check his vain desires.” At length, with many a cold expression mix’d, With many a sneer on girls so fondly fix’d, 160 There came a promise--should they not repent, } But take with grateful minds the portion meant, } And wait the sister’s day--the mother might consent. } And here, might pitying hope o’er truth prevail, Or love o’er fortune, we would end our tale: For who more bless’d than youthful pair removed From fear of want--by mutual friends approved-- Short time to wait, and in that time to live With all the pleasures hope and fancy give; Their equal passion raised on just esteem, 170 When reason sanctions all that love can dream? Yes! reason sanctions what stern fate denies: The early prospect in the glory dies, As the soft smiles on dying infants play