_Ern._ 'Tis true; he thither came a private gentleman, But young and brave, and of a family Ancient and noble as the empire holds. The honours he has gained are justly his,-- He purchased them in war; thrice has he led An army 'gainst the rebels, and as often Returned with victory: the world has not A truer soldier, or a better subject. _Paul._ It was his virtue at first made me serve him; He is the best of masters, as of friends. I know he has lately been invited thither; Yet still he keeps his stubborn purpose; cries, He's old, and willingly would be at rest: I doubt there's deep resentment in his mind, For the late slight his honour suffered there. _Ern._ Has he not reason? When, for what he had borne,-- Long, hard, and faithful toil,--he might have claimed Places in honour, and employment high, A huffing, shining, flattering, cringing coward, A canker-worm of peace, was raised above him. _Paul._ Yet still he holds just value for the king, Nor ever names him but with highest reverence. 'Tis noble that-- _Ern._ Oh! I have heard him, wanton in his praise, Speak things of him might charm the ears of envy. _Paul._ Oh! may he live till Nature's self grow old, And from her womb no more can bless the earth! For, when he dies, farewell all honour, bounty, All generous encouragement of arts! For Charity herself becomes a widow. _Ern._ No, he has two sons, that were ordained to be As well his virtues', as his fortune's heirs. _Paul._ They're both of nature mild, and full of sweetness; They came twins from the womb, and still they live As if they would go twins too to the grave. Neither has anything he calls his own, But of each other's joys, as griefs, partaking; So very honestly, so well they love, As they were only for each other born. _Ern._ Never was parent in an offspring happier! He has a daughter too, whose blooming age Promises goodness equal to her beauty. _Paul._ And as there is a friendship 'twixt the brethren, So has her infant nature chosen too A faithful partner of her thoughts and wishes, And kind companion of her harmless pleasures. _Ern._ You mean the beauteous orphan, fair Monimia. _Paul._ The same, the daughter of the brave Chamont. He was our lord's companion in the wars; Where such a wondrous friendship grew between them As only death could end. Chamont's estate Was ruined in our late and civil discords; Therefore, unable to advance her fortune, He left his daughter to our master's care,-- To such a care, as she scarce lost a father. _Ern._ Her brother to the emperor's wars went early, To seek a fortune, or a noble fate; Whence he with honour is expected back, And mighty marks of that great prince's favour.