Exclaim’d the dame, “I read what she has done
In thy displeasure - Ah! the thoughtless one:
But yet, Josiah, to my stern good man
Speak of the maid as mildly as you can:
Can you not seem to woo a little while
The daughter’s will, the father to beguile?
So that his wrath in time may wear away;
Will you preserve our peace, Josiah? say.”
“Yes! my good neighbour,” said the gentle youth,
“Rely securely on my care and truth;