Nor was too quickly kind, too slowly coy;

But still she lent an unreluctant ear

To all the rural business of the year;

Till love’s strong hopes endured no more delay,

And Harry ask’d, and Nancy named the day.

“A happy change! my Boy,” the father cried:

“How lost your sister all her school-day pride?”

The Youth replied, “It is the Widow’s deed;

The cure is perfect and was wrought with speed.

And comes there, Boy, this benefit of books,