Till love's strong hopes endured no more delay, And Harry ask'd, and Nancy named the day. "A happy change! my Boy," the father cried: "How lost your sister all her school-day pride?" The Youth replied, "It is the Widow's deed; The cure is perfect and was wrought with speed. And comes there, Boy, this benefit of books, Of that smart dress, and of those dainty looks? We must be kind--some offerings from the Farm To the White Cot will speak our feelings warm; Will show that people, when they know the fact, Where they have judged severely, can retract. Oft have I smiled, when I beheld her pass With cautious step as if she hurt the grass; Where, if a snail's retreat she chanced to storm, She look'd as begging pardon of the worm; And what, said I, still laughing at the view, Have these weak creatures in the world to do? But some are made for action, some to speak; And, while she looks so pitiful and meek, Her words are weighty, though her nerves are weak.' Soon told the village-bells the rite was done, That joined the school-bred Miss and Farmer's Son; Her former habits some slight scandal raised, But real worth was soon perceived and praised; She, her neat taste imparted to the Farm, And he, th' improving skill and vigorous arm. TALE VIII. THE MOTHER. What though you have beauty, Must you be therefore proud and pitiless? SHAKESPEARE, As You Like It. I would not marry her, though she were endowed with all that Adam had left him before he transgressed. As You Like It. Wilt thou love such a woman? What! to make thee an instrument, and play false strains upon thee!--Not to be endured. As You Like It. Your son, As mad in folly, lack'd the sense to know Her estimation hence. All's Well that Ends Well. Be this sweet Helen's knell; He left a wife whose words all ears took captive, Whose dear perfections hearts that scorn'd to serve Humbly call'd Mistress. All's Well that Ends Well. -------------------------