Who by a stronger must be overthrown; There is the burden that must yet be gone, And then the pilgrim may go singing on.” William to this would seriously incline, And to their comforts would his heart resign; 590 It soothed, it raised him—he began to feel Th’ enlivening warmth of methodistic zeal; He learn’d to know the brethren by their looks— He sought their meetings, he perused their books; But yet was not within the pale and yoke, And as a novice of experience spoke; But felt the comfort, and began to pray For such companions on the king’s highway. William had now across the kingdom sped, To th’ Eastern ocean from St. David’s head; 600 And wandering late, with various thoughts oppress’d, ’Twas midnight ere he reach’d his place of rest— A village inn, that one way-faring friend Could from experience safely recommend: Where the kind hostess would be more intent On what he needed than on what he spent; Her husband, once a heathen, she subdued, And with religious fear his mind imbued; Though his conviction came too late to save An erring creature from an early grave. 610 Since that event, the cheerful widow grew } In size and substance—her the brethren knew— } And many friends were hers, and lovers not a few; } But either love no more could warm her heart, Or no man came who could the warmth impart. William drew near, and saw the comely look Of the good lady, bending o’er her book; Hymns it appear’d—for now a pleasing sound Seem’d as a welcome in his wanderings found. He enter’d softly, not as they who think 620 That they may act the ruffian if they drink, And who conceive, that for their paltry pence They may with rules of decency dispense; Far unlike these was William—he was kind, Exacting nothing, and to all resign’d. He saw the hostess reading,—and their eyes Met in good will, and something like surprise. It was not beauty William saw, but more, Something like that which he had loved before— Something that brought his Fanny to his view, 630 In the dear time when she was good and true; And his, it seem’d, were features that were seen } With some emotion—she was not serene; } And both were moved to ask what looks like those could mean. } At first, she colour’d to the deepest red, That hurried off, till all the rose was fled; She call’d a servant, whom she sent to rest, Then made excuse to her attentive guest; She own’d the thoughts confused—’twas very true, He brought a dear departed friend in view; 640 Then, as he listen’d, bade him welcome there } With livelier looks and more engaging air, } And stirr’d the fire of ling, and brush’d the wicker chair; } Waiting his order, with the cheerful look That proved how pleasant were the pains she took. He was refresh’d——They spake on various themes— }