While this was plann’d, but ere a place was sought, The timber season’d, or the quarry wrought, Came Death’s dread summons; and the man was laid In the poor house the simple sexton made. 320 But he had time for thought when he was ill, And made his lady an indulgent will: ’Tis said he gave, in parting, his advice, “It is sufficient to be married twice;” To which she answer’d, as ’tis said, again, “There’s none will have you, if you’re poor and plain; And, if you’re rich and handsome, there is none Will take refusal—let the point alone.” Be this or true or false, it is her praise She mourn’d correctly all the mourning days; 330 But grieve she did not, for the canker grief Soils the complexion, and is beauty’s thief. Nothing, indeed, so much will discompose Our public mourning as our private woes; When tender thoughts a widow’s bosom probe, She thinks not then how graceful sits the robe; But our nice widow look’d to every fold, And every eye its beauty might behold! It was becoming; she composed her face, She look’d serenely, and she mourn’d with grace. 340 Some months were pass’d; but yet there wanted three Of the full time when widows wives may be— One trying year, and then the mind is freed, And man may to the vacant throne succeed. There was a tenant—he, to wit, who hired That cot and lake, that were so much admired; A man of spirit, one who doubtless meant, Though he delay’d awhile, to pay his rent; The widow’s riches gave her much delight, And some her claims; and she resolved to write. 350 “He knew her grievous loss, how every care Devolved on her, who had indeed her share; She had no doubt of him—but was as sure As that she breathed her money was secure; But she had made a rash and idle vow To claim her dues, and she must keep it now. So, if it suited——” And for this there came A civil answer to the gentle dame. Within the letter were excuses, thanks, And clean Bank paper from the best of banks; 360 There were condolence, consolation, praise, With some slight hints of danger in delays. With these good things were others from the lake: } Perch that were wish’d to salmon for her sake, } And compliment as sweet as new-born hope could make. } This led to friendly visits, social calls, And much discourse of races, rambles, balls; But all in proper bounds, and not a word Before its time—the man was not absurd, Nor was he cold; but, when she might expect, 370 A letter came, and one to this effect: “That, if his eyes had not his love convey’d, They had their master shamefully betray’d; But she must know the flame, that he was sure, Nor she could doubt, would long as life endure. Both were in widow’d state, and both possess’d Of ample means to make their union bless’d; That she had been confined he knew for truth,