In either house were men and maids unwed,

Hopes to be soothed, and tempers to be led.

Then Allen’s mother of his favourite maid

Spoke from the feelings of a mind afraid:

“Dress and amusements were her sole employ,”

She said - “entangling her deluded boy;”

And yet, in truth, a mother’s jealous love

Had much imagined and could little prove;

Judith had beauty - and if vain, was kind,

Discreet and mild, and had a serious mind.