The Adopted Daughter.

But now, as from a dream, his Reason sprung, And heartiest greetings dwelt upon his tongue; The sounding Kitchen floor at once receiv'd The happy group, with all their fears reliev'd: 'Soldier,' he cried, 'you've found your Girl; 'tis true: But suffer me to be a Father too; For, never Child that blest a Parent's knee, Could show more duty than she has to met Strangely she came; Affliction chas'd her hard: I pitied her;—and this is my reward! Here sit you down; recount your perils o'er: Henceforth be this your home; and grieve no more: Plenty hath shower'd her dewdrops on my head; Care visits not my Table, nor my Bed. My heart's warm wishes thus then I fulfill:— My Dame and I can live without the Mill: George, take the whole; I'll near you still remain To guide your judgment in the choice of Grain: