Bleak was the morn—Said Richard, with a sigh, } “I must depart!”—“That, Brother, I deny,” } Said George—“You may; but I perceive not why.” } This point before had been discuss’d, but still The guest submitted to the ruling will; But every day gave rise to doubt and fear— He heard not now, as he was wont to hear, That all was well!—though little was cxpress’d, It seem’d to him the writer was distress’d; Restrain’d! there was attempt and strife to please, 10 Pains and endeavour—not Matilda’s ease— Not the pure lines of love! the guileless friend In all her freedom—What could this portend? “Fancy!” said George, “the self-tormentor’s pain”;— And Richard still consented to remain. “Ride you this fair cool morning?” said the squire: } Do—for a purchase I have made inquire, } And with you take a will complacently t’admire: } Southward at first, dear Richard, make your way; Cross Hilton Bridge; move on through Breken Clay; 20 At Dunham Wood turn duly to the east, And there your eyes upon the ocean feast; Then ride above the cliff, or ride below, You’ll be enraptured, for your taste I know: It is a prospect that a man might stay, To his bride hastening on his wedding-day. At Tilburn Sluice once more ascend, and view } A decent house; an ample garden too, } And planted well behind—a lively scene, and new: } A little taste, a little pomp, display’d 30 By a dull man, who had retired from trade To enjoy his leisure—Here he came prepared To farm, nor cost in preparation spared; But many works he purchased, some he read, } And often rose with projects in his head, } Of crops in courses raised, of herds by matching bred. } We had just found these little humours out; Just saw—he saw not—what he was about; Just met as neighbours, still disposed to meet; Just learn’d the current tales of Dowling Street; 40 And were just thinking of our female friends, Saying—‘You know not what the man intends, A rich, kind, hearty’—and it might be true Something he wish’d, but had not time to do— A cold ere yet the falling leaf! of small Effect till then, was fatal in the fall; And of that house was his possession brief— Go; and guard well against the falling leaf. “But hear me, Richard: looking to my ease, Try if you can find something that will please. 50 Faults if you see, and such as must abide, Say they are small, or say that I can hide; But faults that I can change, remove, or mend, These like a foe detect—or like a friend. “Mark well the rooms, and their proportions learn; In each some use, some elegance discern; Observe the garden, its productive wall, And find a something to commend in all. Then, should you praise them in a knowing way, I’ll take it kindly—that is well—be gay. 60 “Nor pass the pebbled cottage as you rise