Nor meant I to oppose his wishes, or delay. 210}

But then came fever, slight at first indeed,

Then hastening on and threatening in its speed;

It mock’d the powers of medicine; day by day

I saw those helpers sadly walk away;

So came the hand-like cloud, and with such power

And with such speed, that brought the mighty shower.

“Him nursed I dying, and we freely spoke

Of what might follow the expected stroke;

We talk’d of spirits, of their unknown powers,