_F._ What were his feelings I cannot explain, His actions only on my mind remain. He never married, that indeed we know, But childless was not, as his foes could show— Perhaps his friends—for friends, as well as foes, Will the infirmities of man disclose. 50 When young, our Merchant, though of sober fame, Had a rude passion that he could not tame; And, not to dwell upon the passion’s strife, He had a Son, who never had a wife; The father paid just what the law required, Nor saw the infant, nor to see desired. That infant, thriving on the parish fare, Without a parent’s love, consent, or care, Became a sailor, and sustain’d his part So like a man, it touch’d his father’s heart.— 60 He for protection gave the ready pay, And placed the seaman in preferment’s way; Who doubted not, with sanguine heart, to rise, And bring home riches, gain’d from many a prize. But Jack—for so we call’d him—Jack once more, And never after, touch’d his native shore; Nor was it known if he in battle fell, Or sickening died—we sought, but none could tell. The father sigh’d—as some report, he wept; And then his sorrow with the Sailor slept; 70 Then age came on; he found his spirits droop, And his kind Niece remain’d the only hope. Premising this, our story then proceeds— Our gentle Patty for her Cousin pleads; And now her Uncle, to his room confined, And kindly nursed, was soften’d and was kind. James, whom the law had from his prison sent, } With much contrition to his Uncle went, } And, humbly kneeling, said, “Forgive me, I repent.” } Reproach, of course, his humbled spirit bore; 80 He knew for pardon anger opes the door; The man, whom we with too much warmth reprove, Has the best chance our softening hearts to move; And this he had—“Why, Patty, love! it seems,” Said the old man, “there’s something good in James; I must forgive; but you my child, are yet My stay and prop; I cannot this forget. Still, my dear Niece, as a reforming man, I mean to aid your Cousin, if I can.” Then Patty smiled; for James and she had now 90 Time for their loves, and pledged the constant vow. James the fair way to favouring thoughts discern’d— He learn’d the news, and told of all he learn’d; Read all the papers in an easy style, And knew the bits would raise his Uncle’s smile; Then would refrain, to hear the good man say, “You did not come as usual yesterday; I must not take you from your duties, lad, But of your daily visits should be glad!” Patty was certain that their Uncle now 100 Would their affection all it ask’d allow; She was convinced her lover now would find The past forgotten and old Uncle kind. “It matters not,” she added, “who receives The larger portion; what to one he leaves We both inherit! let us nothing hide, Dear James, from him in whom we both confide.” “Not for your life!” quoth James.