He lived but to indulge me and complain: His was this cottage; he inclosed this ground. And planted all these blooming shrubs around; He to my room these curious trifles brought, And with assiduous love my pleasure sought; He lived to please me, and I ofttimes strove, Smiling, to thank his unrequited love: 'Teach me,' he cried, 'that pensive mind to ease, For all my pleasure is the hope to please.' Serene though heavy, were the days we spent, Yet kind each word, and gen'rous each intent; But his dejection lessen'd every day, And to a placid kindness died away: In tranquil ease we pass'd our latter years, By griefs untroubled, unassail'd by fears. Let not romantic views your bosom sway; Yield to your duties, and their call obey: Fly not a Youth, frank, honest, and sincere; Observe his merits, and his passion hear! 'Tis true, no hero, but a farmer, sues - Slow in his speech, but worthy in his views; With him you cannot that affliction prove, That rends the bosom of the poor in love: Health, comfort, competence, and cheerful days, Your friends' approval, and your father's praise, Will crown the deed, and you escape their fate Who plan so wildly, and are wise too late." The Damsel heard; at first th' advice was strange, Yet wrought a happy, nay, a speedy change: "I have no care," she said, when next they met, But one may wonder, he is silent yet; He looks around him with his usual stare, And utters nothing--not that I shall care." This pettish humour pleased th' experienced Friend - None need despair, whose silence can offend; "Should I," resumed the thoughtful Lass, "consent To hear the man, the man may now repent: Think you my sighs shall call him from the plough, Or give one hint, that 'You may woo me now?'" "Persist, my love," replied the Friend, "and gain A parent's praise, that cannot be in vain." The father saw the change, but not the cause, And gave the alter'd maid his fond applause: The coarser manners she in part removed, In part endured, improving and improved; She spoke of household works, she rose betimes, And said neglect and indolence were crimes; The various duties of their life she weigh'd, And strict attention to her dairy paid; The names of servants now familiar grew, And fair Lucinda's from her mind withdrew; As prudent travellers for their ease assume Their modes and language to whose lands they come; So to the Farmer this fair Lass inclined, Gave to the business of the Farm her mind; To useful arts she turned her hand and eye; And by her manners told him--"You may try." Th' observing Lover more attention paid, With growing pleasure, to the alter'd maid; He fear'd to lose her, and began to see That a slim beauty might a helpmate be: 'Twixt hope and fear he now the lass address'd, And in his Sunday robe his love express'd: She felt no chilling dread, no thrilling joy, Nor was too quickly kind, too slowly coy; But still she lent an unreluctant ear To all the rural business of the year;