These whispers reach’d the man, who weak, and ill
In mind and body, had to make his will;
And, though he died in peace, and all resign’d, 280
’Twas plain he harbour’d fancies in his mind.
With jealous foresight, all that he had gain’d
His widow’s was, while widow she remain’d;
But, if another should the dame persuade
To wed again, farewell the gains of trade:
For if the widow’d dove could not refrain,
She must return to poverty again.