And knew the poaching rascals by their names. And, if the father thus improved his mind, Be sure the children were not far behind: To rank and riches what respect was due, To them and theirs what deference, well they knew, 150 And, from the greatest to the least, could show What to the favouring few the favour’d many owe. The mind of man must have whereon to work, Or it will rust—we see it in the Turk; And Justice Danvers, though he read the news, And all of law that magistrates peruse— Bills about roads and charities—yet still Wanted employ his vacant mind to fill; These were not like the shipping, once his pride, Now, with his blue surtout, laid all aside. 160 No doubt, his spirits in their ebb to raise, He found some help in men’s respect and praise— Praise of his house, his land, his lawn, his trees— He cared not what—to praise him was to please: Yet, though his rural neighbours called to dine, And some might kindly praise his food and wine, This was not certain, and, another day, He must the visit and the praise repay. By better motives urged—we will suppose— He thus began his purpose to disclose 170 To his good lady:—“We have lived a year, And never ask’d our friends the Rayners here. Do let us ask them—as for Richard’s flame, It went, we see, as idly as it came— Invite them kindly—here’s a power of room, And the poor people will be glad to come. Outside and in, the coach will hold them all, And set them down beside the garden wall.” The Lady wrote, for that was all he meant, Kind soul! by asking for his wife’s assent; 180 And every Rayner was besought to come To dine in Hulver Hall’s grand dining-room. About this time old Rayner, who had lost His Friend’s advice, was by misfortune cross’d: Some debtors fail’d, when large amounts were due, So large, that he was nearly failing too; But he, grown wary, that he might not fail, Brought to in adverse gales, and shorten’d sail; This done, he rested, and could now attend The invitation of his distant Friend. 190 “Well! he would go; but not, indeed, t’ admire The state and grandeur of the new-made Squire; Danvers, belike, now wealthy, might impart Some of his gold; for Danvers had a heart, And may have heard, though guarded so around, That I have lost the fortune he has found. Yes! Dick is kind, or he and his fine seat Might go to——where we never more should meet.” Now, lo! the Rayners all at Hulver Place— Or Hulver Hall—’tis not a certain case; 200 ’Tis only known that Ladies’ notes were sent Directed both ways, and they always went. We pass the greetings, and the dinner pass, All the male gossip o’er the sparkling glass, And female, when retired.—The Squire invites His Friend, by sleep refresh’d, to see his sights— His land and lions, granary, barns, and crops, } His dairy, piggery, pinery, apples, hops;— }