Those she herself will her misfortunes deem, And slides discreetly from the dubious theme. But you shall hear the tale that I will tell, When we have seen the mansion where they dwell.” They saw the mansion,—and the couple made Obeisance due, and not without parade: “His honour, still obliging, took delight 60 To make them pleasant in each other’s sight; It was their duty—they were very sure It was their pleasure.” This they could endure, Nor turn’d impatient——In the room around Were care and neatness: instruments were found For sacred music, books with prints and notes By learned men and good, whom William quotes In mode familiar—Beveridge, [Doddridge,] Hall, Pyle, Whitby, Hammond—he refers to all. Next they beheld his garden, fruitful, nice, 70 And, as he said, his little paradise. In man and wife appear’d some signs of pride, Which they perceived not, or they would not hide— “Their honest saving; their good name, their skill; } His honour’s land, which they had grace to till; } And more, his favour shown, with all their [friends’] good will.” } This past, the visit was with kindness closed, And George was ask’d to do as he proposed. “Richard,” said he, “though I myself explore With no distaste the annals of the poor, 80 And may with safety to a brother show } What of my humble friends I chance to know: } Richard, there are who call the subjects low. } “The host and hostess of the Fleece—’tis base— Would I could cast some glory round the place! “The lively heroine once adorn’d a farm— And William’s virtue has a kind of charm; Nor shall we, in our apprehension, need Riches or rank—I think I may proceed. Virtue and worth there are who will not see 90 In humble dress; but low they cannot be.” * * * * *