_SMUGGLERS AND POACHERS._ A Widow at the Hall—Inquiry of Richard—Relation of two Brothers—Their different Character—Disposition—Modes of thinking—James a Servant—Robert joins the Smugglers—Rachel at the Hall—James attached to her—Trade fails—Robert a Poacher—Is in Danger—How released—James and Rachel—Revenge excited—Association formed—Attack resolved—Preparation made for Resistance—A Night Adventure—Reflections. TALES OF THE HALL. BOOK XXI. _SMUGGLERS AND POACHERS._ There was a widow in the village known To our good Squire, and he had favour shown By frequent bounty.—She as usual came; And Richard saw the worn and weary frame, Pale cheek, and eye subdued, of her whose mind } Was grateful still, and glad a friend to find, } Though to the world long since and all its hopes resign’d. } Her easy form, in rustic neatness clad, Was pleasing still! but she for ever sad. “Deep is her grief?” said Richard—“Truly deep, 10 And very still, and therefore seems to sleep. To borrow simile to paint her woes, Theirs, like the river’s, motion seems repose, Making no petty murmuring—settled, slow, They never waste, they never overflow. Rachel is one of those—for there are some Who look for nothing in their days to come, No good nor evil, neither hope nor fear; Nothing remains or cheerful or severe; One day is like the past, the year’s sweet prime 20 Like the sad fall—for Rachel heeds not time. Nothing remains to agitate her breast; Spent is the tempest, and the sky at rest; But, while it raged, her peace its ruin met; And now the sun is on her prospects set.— Leave her, and let us her distress explore: She heeds it not—she has been left before.” * * * * *