"Poor children!" tenderly he said, "But now the danger's past." They thank'd him for his light and aid, And drew near home at last. But who upon the misty path To meet them forward press'd? 'Twas Ellen, shivering, with a babe Close folded to her breast. Said Andrew, "Now you're glad, I know, "To se-se-see us come;-- "But I have taken care of both, "And brought them bo-bo-both safe home." With Andrew vex'd, of Mary proud, But prouder of her boy, She kiss'd them both, and sobb'd aloud,-- The children cried for joy. But what a home at last they found! Of comforts all bereft; The fire out, the last candle gone, And not one penny left! But Caleb quick as light'ning flew, And raised a light instead; And as the kindling brands he blew, His father snored in bed. No brawling, boxing termagant Was Ellen, though offended; Who ever knew a fault like this By violence amended? No:--she was mild as April morn, And Andrew loved her too; She rose at daybreak, though forlorn, To try what love could do. And as her waking husband groan'd, And roll'd his burning head, She spoke with all the power of truth, Down kneeling by his bed. "Dear Andrew, hear me,--though distress'd "Almost too much to speak,-- "This infant starves upon my breast-- "To scold I am too weak. "I work, I spin, I toil all day, "Then leave my work to cry, "And start with horror when I think "You wish to see me die. "But _do_ you wish it? can that bring "More comfort, or more joy? "Look round the house, how destitute! "Look at your ragged boy! "That boy should make a father proud, "If any feeling can; "Then save your children, save your wife, "Your honour as a man. "Hear me, for God's sake hear me now, "And act a father's part!" The culprit bless'd her angel tongue, And clasp'd her to his heart; And would have vow'd, and would have sworn, But Ellen kiss'd him dumb,-- "Exert your mind, vow to _yourself_, "And better days will come. "I shall be well when you are kind, "And you'll be better too."-- "I'll drink no more,"--he quick rejoin'd,-- "Be't poison if I do." From that bright day his plants, his flowers, His crops began to thrive, And for three years has Andrew been The soberest man alive. Soon as he ended, acclamations 'rose, Endang'ring modesty and self-repose, Till the good host his prudent counsel gave, Then listen'd all, the flippant and the grave. "Let not applauses vanity inspire, "Deter humility, or damp desire; "Neighbours we are, then let the stream run fair, "And every couplet be as free as air; "Be silent when each speaker claims his right, "Enjoy the day as I enjoy the sight: "They shall not class us with the knavish elves, "Who banish shame, and criticise themselves."