Then woo'd a spinster blithe, and hoped, when wed,

For love's fair favours and a fruitful bed.

Not so his Friend;—on widow fair and staid

He fix'd his eye; but he was much afraid,

530

Yet woo'd; while she his hair of silver hue

Demurely noticed, and her eye withdrew.

Doubtful he paused—"Ah! were I sure," he cried,

"No craving children would my gains divide:

Fair as she is, I would my widow take,