With many a sneer on girls so fondly fix’d,

There came a promise - should they not repent,

But take with grateful minds the portion meant,

And wait the Sister’s day - the Mother might consent.

And here, might pitying hope o’er truth prevail,

Or love o’er fortune, we would end our tale;

For who more bless’d than youthful pair removed

From fear of want - by mutual friends approved -

Short time to wait, and in that time to live

With all the pleasures hope and fancy give;