The Sun, IV

Then Jane, obedient to her father’s will, Brought forth a pitcher of their household ale, And from the larder at the cottage rear The frugal remnant of a well-fed steer,— With which, and some brown-bread, she form’d a feast, To entertain—as best they could—their noble guest: And not untimely was the feast supplied, Partook, digested, and right-well enjoy’d. The amber goblet pass’d from hand to hand, And as it pass’d—a health to Hollybrand, Else his dear daughter Jane, with good intent; They in return return’d the compliment: So pass’d the meal. Now, to confirm his vow, The earnest suitor kiss’d Jane’s virtuous brow; Reveal’d a compact, and then read it o’er; And, pointing to the impression which it bore, Said, “There, dear Hollybrand, and Jane, you see My signature is set, in all sincerity: With thee I’ll leave it, and my honour too, As the best pledge of my designs to you;— Take it,” said Arnold, “as my heart—my whole— For it contains the promptings of my soul: May God bear witness to the solemn deed! And now I ask, dear George, are you agreed?” The emphasis with which these words were spoke’ (Whilst modest Hollybrand the paper took) Produced a meet sensation!—hence a pause Consistent with th’ importance of the cause. Then George into the inner room withdrew To scan the documents, in earnest, through: He saw: believ’d the signature was real, And also recognis’d the ancient seal.