So came regard, and then esteem, and then

The kind of friendship women have with men: 70

At length t’was love, but candid, open, fair,

Such as became their years and character.

In their discourse religion had its place,

When he of doctrines talk’d, and she of grace:

He knew the different sects, the varying creeds,

While she, less learned, spake of virtuous deeds;

He dwelt on errors into which we fall,

She on the gracious remedy for all;