Toogood, IX

But hark! the festal-bell is ringing loud; And Toogood, sev’nty-three, as ever proud Comes strutting through the passage to the hall In the same silk, and likewise handsome shawl, That she received at Arnold’s christening ball; Whilst Jane, all in the vigour of her youth, Leans on her arm—exemplary of truth, But plainly dress’d; yet with a lovely face; And paced the passage with a queenly grace. Now Arnold meets them and allays alarm— By his embraces and inviting arm; Whilst dear Aunt Toogood hastens on before And blithely deputizes at the door; Which ceremonial frolicsomely plann’d Dispell’d those fears that Innocence had fann’d: Thus then they enter and draw near the board. While the vouchsafing grace from God’s implored The savoury viands, which compose the food, Send up their vapours in consonant mode; And wines, propitious—in the crystal vase, Move round in token of th’ eventful cause: The homely meal—as homely as could be Consistent with Lord Arnold’s dignity— Affords them joy. Now, while the time beguiles And peace and plenty, compliments and smiles Predominate, Lord Arnold of the hour Avails himself, describes th’ intended tour,— Improving every moment as it flew With tales fictitious or with stories true; Or hum’rously endeavours to explain The great advantage it will be to Jane, Whilst he’s away; and what arrangements he Ordain’d for her improvement and futurity: His eye beheld her,—fain was he to find The plan propounded suiting to her mind: For Jane express’d herself with great delight, And promised to improve with all her might.