What to their parents virtuous maidens owe: A worthy, wealthy youth, whom I approve, Must thou prepare to honour and to love. Formal to thee his air and dress may seem, But the good youth is worthy of esteem: Shouldst thou with rudeness treat him; of disdain Should he with justice or of slight complain, Or of one taunting speech give certain proof, Girl! I reject thee from my sober roof." "My aunt," said Sybil," will with pride protect One whom a father can for this reject; Nor shall a formal, rigid, soul-less boy My manners alter, or my views destroy!" Jonas then lifted up his hands on high, And, utt'ring something 'twixt a groan and sigh, Left the determined maid, her doubtful mother by. "Hear me," she said; "incline thy heart, my child, And fix thy fancy on a man so mild: Thy father, Sybil, never could be moved By one who loved him, or by one he loved. Union like ours is but a bargain made By slave and tyrant--he will be obey'd; Then calls the quiet, comfort--but thy Youth Is mild by nature, and as frank as truth." "But will he love?" said Sybil; "I am told That these mild creatures are by nature cold." "Alas!" the matron answer'd, "much I dread That dangerous love by which the young are led! That love is earthy; you the creature prize, And trust your feelings and believe your eyes: Can eyes and feelings inward worth descry? No! my fair daughter, on our choice rely! Your love, like that display'd upon the stage, Indulged is folly, and opposed is rage; - More prudent love our sober couples show, All that to mortal beings, mortals owe; All flesh is grass--before you give a heart, Remember, Sybil, that in death you part; And should your husband die before your love, What needless anguish must a widow prove! No! my fair child, let all such visions cease; Yield but esteem, and only try for peace." "I must be loved," said Sybil; "I must see The man in terrors who aspires to me; At my forbidding frown his heart must ache, His tongue must falter, and his frame must shake: And if I grant him at my feet to kneel, What trembling, fearful pleasure must he feel; Nay, such the raptures that my smiles inspire, That reason's self must for a time retire." "Alas! for good Josiah," said the dame, "These wicked thoughts would fill his soul with shame; He kneel and tremble at a thing of dust! He cannot, child:"--the Child replied, "He must." They ceased: the matron left her with a frown; So Jonas met her when the Youth came down: "Behold," said he, "thy future spouse attends; Receive him, daughter, as the best of friends; Observe, respect him--humble be each word, That welcomes home thy husband and thy lord." Forewarn'd, thought Sybil, with a bitter smile, I shall prepare my manner and my style. Ere yet Josiah enter'd on his task, The father met him--"Deign to wear a mask A few dull days, Josiah--but a few - It is our duty, and the sex's due; I wore it once, and every grateful wife Repays it with obedience through her life: