And then, observing Arnold’s willing smile,
(He not unmindful of their practis’d guile)
Rehears’d a story with considerable tact,
And hard-endeavoured to enforce the fact—
Peace and prosperity for thee’s in store,
For thou art generous to the sick and poor!
“Two years from now,” she said, “thou shalt repair
To Hymen’s altar with your lady-fair;
And when, dear sir, the nuptial hour shall come
Much joy shall reign at thy paternal home: