For what's gold, may I ask, when its charms you compare

With bright smiles, with such looks, and with features so fair?

And, besides, the young people are quite old enough

To decide for themselves; and advice would seem stuff

And great nonsense, I fear, to their prejudiced ears;

For their eyes are so blinded they won't see your fears."

Then the old man sat down

With a dark gloomy frown,

As he muttered he never would give them a "brown."

But the obstinate son