With pleasure I will lend you all You want; my stock's by no means small-- Not very modern though. And, p'rhaps, if I, a stranger, may Request a boon, as such a way From home you've rambled out, I should feel overjoyed if you Would stay and let your palate too Be tickled by my trout. Except my housekeeper there's none, And she will pardon what I've done, So pray do not refuse." I, pondering for a moment, thought, When he a fresh inducement brought Which drowned my frail excuse. "And afterwards I'll take you out Where you may catch as fine a trout As ever bit at hook." And, truly, I sharp hunger felt, And as three miles from where I dwelt I was, I gladly took Him at his word, and pleased him quite By thus accepting his invite. He seized my hand and twice it shook, And thanking me with cordial look, He smiling said, "For you I feel A friendship, sir, I'll not conceal. You cause my fancies back to fly To youth's bright days, when fearless I, Like you, would dash through passes where A slip had sent me past all care; But now those joyous moments seem Like wanderings in a pleasant dream, And never will return, I fear. But, see, my garden-gate is here." He led the way, with fish in hand; We neared the house, perhaps not grand In point of size, yet truly there Resided Elegance, and Care Expended on each part had been: No imperfections could be seen, For Order reigned throughout the place, Assisted by her sister Grace. The walls were built of reddish brick, And massive as a house were thick, That meant to combat with old Time, For still they seemed now in their prime. Though cent'ries two past them had strayed They scarce had an impression made. A carved verandah ran before The front, and arched above the door Arose, where flowers twined around Their sweetness, and a dwelling found. "We're rather homely folks," said he, "My housekeeper and I: we see And hear but little of the news And fashions which you moderns use, But sure I am you will excuse Our queerness, which may chance amuse." With this we reached the hall, whose floor Was paved with stone. He moved before, And throwing wide an open door, He bade me enter and wage war With hunger a few moments more, The while he after the fishes saw. The house was large, and opened out Upon a lawn, where roamed about A gentle fawn, who darted through The casement, but as quick withdrew,-- He missed the hand that used to feed, So backward flew with rapid speed.