In my best days, the spring-time of my life, I was not worthy to be William’s wife; A widow now—not poor, indeed—not cast In outer darkness—sorrowing for the past, And for the future hoping—but no more: Let me the pledges of thy love restore, And give the ring thou gavest—let it be 710 A token still of my regard for thee— But only that—and to a worthier now Consign the gift.”—— “The only worthy thou!” Replied the lover; and what more express’d May be omitted—here our tale shall rest. This pair, our host and hostess of the Fleece, Command some wealth, and smile at its increase; Saving and civil, cautious and discreet, All sects and parties in their mansion meet; There from their chapels teachers go to share 720 The creature-comforts—mockery grins not there; There meet the wardens at their annual feast, With annual pun—‘the parish must be fleeced’; There traders find a parlour cleanly swept For their reception, and in order kept; And there the sons of labour, poor, but free, Sit and enjoy their hour of liberty. So live the pair—and life’s disasters seem In their unruffled calm a troubled dream; In comfort runs the remnant of their life— 730 He the fond husband, she the faithful wife. TALES OF THE HALL. BOOK XX. _THE CATHEDRAL-WALK._ George in his hypochondriac State—A Family Mansion now a Farmhouse—The Company there—Their Conversation—Subjects afforded by the Pictures—Doubts if Spirits can appear—Arguments—Facts—The Relation of an old Lady—Her Walks in a Cathedral—Appearance there. TALES OF THE HALL. BOOK XX. _THE CATHEDRAL-WALK._