These are fine things, but may be bought too dear. You are no stripling, and, it must be said, Have not the form that charms a youthful maid. What you possess, and what you leave behind, When you depart, may captivate her mind; And I suspect she will rejoice at heart, Your will once made, if you should soon depart.’ “Long our debate, and much we disagreed; ‘You need no wife,’ I said—said he, ‘I need; 690 I want a house, I want in all I see To take an interest; what is mine to me?’ So spake the man, who to his word was just, And took the words of others upon trust. He could not think that friend in power so high, So much esteem’d, could like a villain lie; Nor, till the knot, the fatal knot, was tied, Had urged his wedding a dishonour’d bride. The man he challenged, for his heart was rent With rage and grief, and was to prison sent; 700 For men in power—and this, alas! was one— Revenge on all the wrongs themselves have done; And he whose spirit bends not to the blow } The tyrants strike shall no forgiveness know; } For ’tis to slaves alone that tyrants favour show. } “This cost him much; but that he did not heed; The lady died, and my poor friend was freed. ‘Enough of ladies!’ then said he, and smiled; ‘I’ve now no longings for a neighbour’s child.’ So patient he return’d, and not in vain, 710 To his late duties, and grew rich again. He was no miser; but the man who takes Care to be rich will love the gain he makes; Pursuing wealth, he soon forgot his woes; No acts of his were bars to his repose. “Now John was rich, and, old and weary grown, Talk’d of the country that he calls his own— And talk’d to me; for now, in fact, began My better knowledge of the real man. Though long estranged, he felt a strong desire, 720 That made him for his former friends enquire; What Dysons yet remain’d, he long’d to know, And doubtless meant some proofs of love to show. His purpose known, our native land I sought, And with the wishes of my Friend am fraught.” Fix’d were all eyes, suspense each bosom shook, And expectation hung on every look. “‘Go to my kindred, seek them all around, Find all you can, and tell me all that’s found; Seek them if prosperous, seek them in distress, 730 Hear what they need, know what they all possess; What minds, what hearts they have, how good they are, How far from goodness—speak, and no one spare, And no one slander: let me clearly see What is in them, and what remains for me.’ “Such is my charge, and haply I shall send Tidings of joy and comfort to my Friend. Oft would he say, ‘If of our race survive Some two or three, to keep the name alive— I will not ask if rich or great they be, 740 But if they live in love, like you and me.’ “’Twas not my purpose yet awhile to speak As I have spoken; but why further seek? All that I heard I in my heart approve;