So let him dote and dream: but, till he die, Shall not our generous heir receive supply? For ever sitting on the river's brink? And ever thirsty, shall he fear to drink? The means are simple, let him only wish, Then say he's willing, and I'll fill his dish." They all applauded, and not least the boy, Who now replied, "It fill'd his heart with joy To find he needed not deliv'rance crave Of death, or wish the Justice in the grave; Who, while he spent, would every art retain, Of luring home the scatter'd gold again; Just as a fountain gaily spirts and plays With what returns in still and secret ways." Short was the dream of bliss; he quickly found His father's acres all were Swallow's ground. Yet to those arts would other heroes lend A willing ear, and Swallow was their friend; Ever successful, some began to think That Satan help'd him to his pen and ink; And shrewd suspicions ran about the place, "There was a compact"--I must leave the case. But of the parties, had the fiend been one, The business could not have been speedier done: Still when a man has angled day and night, The silliest gudgeons will refuse to bite: So Swallow tried no more: but if they came To seek his friendship, that remain'd the same: Thus he retired in peace, and some would say He'd balk'd his partner, and had learn'd to pray. To this some zealots lent an ear, and sought How Swallow felt, then said "a change is wrought." 'Twas true there wanted all the signs of grace, But there were strong professions in their place; Then, too, the less that men from him expect, The more the praise to the converting sect; He had not yet subscribed to all their creed, Nor own'd a Call, but he confess'd the need: His aquiescent speech, his gracious look, That pure attention, when the brethren spoke, Was all contrition,--he had felt the wound, And with confession would again be sound. True, Swallow's board had still the sumptuous treat; But could they blame? the warmest zealots eat: He drank--'twas needful his poor nerves to brace; He swore--'twas habit; he was grieved--'twas grace: What could they do a new-born zeal to nurse? "His wealth's undoubted--let him hold our purse; He'll add his bounty, and the house we'll raise Hard by the church, and gather all her strays: We'll watch her sinners as they home retire, And pluck the brands from the devouring fire." Alas! such speech was but an empty boast; The good men reckon'd, but without their host; Swallow, delighted, took the trusted store, And own'd the sum; they did not ask for more, Till more was needed; when they call'd for aid - And had it?--No, their agent was afraid: "Could he but know to whom he should refund He would most gladly--nay, he'd go beyond; But when such numbers claim'd, when some were gone. And others going--he must hold it on; The Lord would help them."--Loud their anger grew, And while they threat'ning from his door withdrew, He bow'd politely low, and bade them all adieu,