These “youthful Follies” he was pleas’d to call,
And fondly prais’d the feasted prodigal.
He ask’d no Questions: where the youth had gain’d }
What pleas’d so many and what some had pain’d; 20}
He saw not—thought not—if the Soul were stain’d; }
Vice was not written on the front, nor where
Those Locks appeared so carelessly with Care.
He saw him sprightly, active, ardent, brave,
Nor found in one so free his passions’ Slave;
Knew not the daring Wishes he obey’d,