But Robert dared not, begg’d her not to dare!

She saw their dear good Kinsman every day }

Wasting in Flesh, and soon must waste away; }

And then would all be Well! well paid for their Delay! }

She, gentle Girl, though loth, yet acquiesc’d;

It pleased her Cousin, and it might be best.

Yet, as he often came and talk’d at Ease,

She judged it right; but, “Cousin, as you please!”

And now between them and their Wishes rose 40

The old Man’s Life—that only—to oppose