Speak gentle words, and you shall hear a Tale

Of the new pair who came to Ashford Dale.”


Small was their Garden, and they wished to grow

All that a Gardening Swain could set or sow;

And in that Soil the produce grew so tall 40

About the Path and Porch, the Door and Wall;

The Children crept the stately plants between,

And only Mary’s snow-white Cap was seen—

When the low door was opened, and the Dame