The easy purchase of a single pound: These humble trifles and that study small Make a strong contrast with the servants' hall; There barely comfort, here a proud excess, The pompous seat of pamper'd idleness, Where the sleek rogues with one consent declare, They would not live upon his honour's fare; He daily took but one half hour to dine, On one poor dish and some three sips of wine; Then he'd abuse them for their sumptuous feasts, And say, "My friends! you make yourselves like beasts; One dish suffices any man to dine, But you are greedy as a herd of swine; Learn to be temperate."--Had they dared t'obey, He would have praised and turn'd them all away. Friends met Sir Denys riding in his ground, And there the meekness of his spirit found: For that gray coat, not new for many a year, Hides all that would like decent dress appear; An old brown pony 'twas his will to ride, Who shuffled onward, and from side to side; A five-pound purchase, but so fat and sleek, His very plenty made the creature weak. "Sir Denys Brand! and on so poor a steed!" "Poor! it may be--such things I never heed:" And who that youth behind, of pleasant mien, Equipped as one who wishes to be seen, Upon a horse, twice victor for a plate, A noble hunter, bought at dearest rate? - Him the lad fearing yet resolved to guide, He curbs his spirit while he strokes his pride. "A handsome youth, Sir Denys; and a horse Of finer figure never trod the course, - Yours, without question?"--"Yes! I think a groom Bought me the beast; I cannot say the sum I ride him not; it is a foolish pride Men have in cattle--but my people ride; The boy is--hark ye, sirrah! what's your name? Ay, Jacob, yes! I recollect--the same; As I bethink me now, a tenant's son - I think a tenant,--is your father one?" There was an idle boy who ran about, And found his master's humble spirit out; He would at awful distance snatch a look, Then run away and hide him in some nook; "For oh!" quoth he, "I dare not fix my sight On him, his grandeur puts me in a fright; Oh! Mister Jacob, when you wait on him, Do you not quake and tremble every limb?" The Steward soon had orders--"Summers, see That Sam be clothed, and let him wait on me." ---------------------