Whence fond regard and just esteem will spring; Then, though we backward look with some regret On those first joys, we shall be happy yet. Each on the other must in all depend, The kind adviser, the unfailing friend; Through the rough world we must each other aid, Leading and led, obeying and obey’d; Favour’d and favouring, eager to believe What should be truth—unwilling to perceive 430 What might offend—determined to remove } What has offended, wisely to improve } What pleases yet, and guard returning love. } Nor doubt, my Emma, but in many an hour Fancy, who sleeps, shall wake with all her power; And we shall pass—though not perhaps remain— To fairy-land, and feel its charm again. TALES OF THE HALL. BOOK XV. _GRETNA GREEN._ Richard meets an Acquaintance of his Youth—The Kind of Meeting—His School—The Doctor Sidmere and his Family—Belwood, a Pupil—The Doctor’s Opinion of him—The Opinion of his Wife—and of his Daughter—Consultation—The Lovers—Flight to Gretna Green—Return no more—The Doctor and his Lady—Belwood and his Wife—The Doctor reflects—Goes to his Son-in-law—His Reception and Return. TALES OF THE HALL. BOOK XV. _GRETNA GREEN._ “I met,” said Richard, when return’d to dine, “In my excursion, with a friend of mine; Friend! I mistake—but yet I knew him well, Ours was the village where he came to dwell; He was an orphan born to wealth, and then Placed in the guardian-care of cautious men; When our good parent, who was kindness all, Fed and caress’d him when he chose to call; And this he loved, for he was always one For whom some pleasant service must be done, 10 Or he was sullen—He would come and play At his own time, and at his pleasure stay; But our kind parent soothed him as a boy } Without a friend; she loved he should enjoy } A day of ease, and strove to give his mind employ. } She had but seldom the desired success, And therefore parting troubled her the less; Two years he there remain’d; then went his way— I think to school; and him I met to-day. “I heard his name, or he had past unknown; 20 And, without scruple, I divulged my own. His words were civil, but not much express’d, ‘Yes! he had heard I was my brother’s guest’; Then would explain, what was not plain to me, Why he could not a social neighbour be. He envied you, he said, your quiet life, And me a loving and contented wife; You, as unfetter’d by domestic bond, Me, as a husband and a father fond. I was about to speak, when to the right 30 The road then turn’d, and lo! his house in sight. “‘Adieu!’ he said, nor gave a word or sign Of invitation—‘Yonder house is mine; Your brother’s I prefer, if I might choose—