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.