'Tis pity that so good a Lad as you
Beneath my roof should bring disorders new!
But here's my _Phoebe_,--once so light and airy,
She'd trip along the passage like a Fairy,--

_Enquiry. Ingenuous Explanation_.

Has lost her swiftness quite, since here you came:--
And yet;... I can't perceive the Girl is lame!
The obstacles she meets with still fall thicker:
Old as I am I'd turn a corner quicker.'--
The _Youth_ blush'd deep; and _Phoebe_ hung her head:
The _good Man_ smil'd, and thus again he said:

'Not that I deem it matter of surprise,
That you should love to gaze at _Phoebe's_ eyes;
But be explicit, Boy; and deal with honour:
I feel my happiness depend upon her.
When here you came you'd sorrow on your brow;
And I've forborne to question you till now.
First, then, say what thou art.' He instant bow'd,
And thus, in _Phoebe's_ hearing, spoke aloud:

'Thus far experienc'd, Sir, in you I find
All that is generous, fatherly, and kind;
And while you look for proofs of real worth,
You'll not regard the meanness of my birth.

_The little History_.