Thought Ellis all that is approved and right.
Then he was happy, and some envy drew,
For knowing more than other farmers knew;
They call’d him learned, and it sooth’d their pride,
While he in his was pleased and gratified.
Still more t’ offend, he to the altar led
The vicar’s niece, to early reading bred; 510
Who, though she freely ventured on the life,
Could never fully be the farmer’s wife;
She had a softness, gentleness, and ease,