Told how his father’s money he would sport. Yet in his dress and manner now appears No sign of faults that stain’d his earlier years; 130 Mildness there seems, and marks of sober sense, That bear no token of that wild expense Such as to ruin leads!—I may mistake, Yet may, perchance, a useful friendship make. He looks as one whom I should not offend, Address’d as him whom I would make a friend. Men with respect attend him.—He proceeds To yonder public room—why, then he reads! Suppose me right—a mighty change is wrought; But Time ere now has care and caution taught. 140 May I address him? And yet, why afraid? } Deny he may, but he will not upbraid; } Nor must I lose him, for I want his aid. } Propitious fate! beyond my hope I find } A being well-inform’d, and much inclined } To solve my many doubts, and ease my anxious mind. } Now shall we meet, and he will give reply To all I ask!—How full of fears am I; Poor, nervous, trembling! what have I to fear? } Have I a wife, a child, one creature here, 150} Whose health would bring me joy, whose death would claim a tear? } This is the time appointed, this the place: Now shall I learn, how some have run their race With honour, some with shame; and I shall know How man behaves in Fortune’s ebb and flow;— What wealth or want, what trouble, sorrow, joy, Have been allotted to the [girl] and boy Whom I left laughing at the ills of life— Now the grave father, or the awful wife. Then shall I hear, how tried the wise and good! 160} How fall’n the house that once in honour stood! } And moving accidents, from war and fire and flood! } These shall I hear, if to his promise true; His word is pledged to tell me all he knew Of living men; and memory then will trace Those who no more with living men have place, As they were borne to their last quiet homes— This shall I learn!—And lo! my Teacher comes. TALE VII. _THE SCHOOL-FELLOW._ I.