My Mother too seemed now disposed to try A Life of Reason and Tranquillity; She had till lately health and Spirits kept; She ate in Comfort, and in Quiet slept. But our late Subject was a kind that fills The Mind, and poison in the Heart instills. For five and forty years my Mother bore Her Placid Looks, and Dress becoming wore; She would a Compliment with pleasure take That no undue Impression seemed to make; But now her Nerves became disturbed and weak, And we must Aid from a Physician seek: A Scotch Physician, who had just began To settle here—a very handsome Man, And very wise, for I with Lovers twain Was in his eye a very Child again; While my dear Mother, twenty years a Wife, Was to decide the Fortune of his life; And she decided—- In a general way Mama her power was willing to display.
But now like Monarch weary of a Throne She would no longer reign, at least alone! She held her pulse, and with a Look so sweet Gave him to feel how softly they could beat. (U.P.)
after l. 227:
It was reported, nay it was believed That both the wary parties were deceived; For both had learnt the wicked world to cheat And be a match for all its vile Deceit. (U.P.)
instead of ll. 323-5:
Was just his present purpose to pursue, Send him to college and there let him learn To live, and to his numerous brothers turn! (U.P.)
variant of ll. 336-7:
In fact our hearts we gave as Lovers give Before we asked if we as Men could live. I lov’d the Youth, nor had I doubts that he} Had tender thoughts and faithful Hopes like me, } And, as our Love was now, so would it ever be. }(U.P.)
instead of l. 410: