And, gravely listening, sigh’d with one consent. “My friend, your Uncle, was design’d for trade, 620 To make a fortune as his father made; But early he perceived the house declined, And his domestic views at once resign’d; While stout of heart, with life in every limb, He would to sea, and either sink or swim. No one forbad; his father shook his hand, Within it leaving what he could command. “He left his home, but I will not relate What storms he braved, and how he bore his fate, Till his brave frigate was a Spanish prize, 630 And prison-walls received his first-born sighs— Sighs for the freedom that an English boy, Or English man, is eager to enjoy. “Exchanged, he breathed in freedom, and aboard An English ship, he found his peace restored; War raged around, each British tar was press’d To serve his king, and John among the rest; Oft had he fought and bled, and ’twas his fate In that same ship to grow to man’s estate. Again ’twas war: of France a ship appear’d 640 Of greater force, but neither shunn’d nor fear’d; ’Twas in the Indian Sea, the land was nigh, When all prepared to fight, and some to die; Man after man was in the ocean thrown, } Limb after limb was to the surgeon shown, } And John at length, poor John! held forth his own.— } “A tedious case—the battle ceased with day, And in the night the foe had slipp’d away. Of many wounded were a part convey’d To land, and he among the number laid. 650 Poor, suffering, friendless—who shall now impart Life to his hope, or comfort to his heart? A kind good priest among the English there Selected him as his peculiar care; And, when recover’d, to a powerful friend Was pleased the lad he loved to recommend; Who read your Uncle’s mind, and, pleased to read, Placed him where talents will in time succeed. “I will not tease you with details of trade, But say he there a decent fortune made— 660 Not such as gave him, if return’d, to buy A duke’s estate, or principality, But a fair fortune; years of peace he knew, That were so happy, and that seem’d so few. “Then came a cloud; for who on earth has seen A changeless fortune, and a life serene? Ah! then how joyous were the hours we spent! But joy is restless, joy is not content. “There one resided, who, to serve his friend, Was pleased a gay fair lady to commend; 670 Was pleased t’ invite the happy man to dine, And introduced the subject o’er their wine; Was pleased the lady his good friend should know, And as a secret his regard would show. “A modest man lacks courage; but, thus train’d, Your Uncle sought her favour and obtain’d. To me he spake, enraptured with her face, Her angel smile, her unaffected grace; Her fortune small indeed; but, ‘curse the pelf, She is a glorious fortune in herself!’ 680 ‘John!’ answer’d I, ‘friend John, to be sincere,