Yet friends were left; the patriarch of our line
For my sake would a parent’s cares resume,
And his mild consort, then in life’s decline,
As she had watched my father’s youth would watch o’er mine.
With tenderness did they their charge fulfil,
In the retirement of a peaceful spot;
But ah! not theirs the strength to curb the will,
To train Christ’s soldier for a trying lot.
Offences gently chidden—and forgot,
The wavering denial, weak delay,