Has lost her swiftness quite, since here you came:—
And yet;... I can n'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.