Has lost her swiftness quite, since here you came:—...

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.