But evil fate was theirs - survey’d, enjoy’d
Some happy months, and then by force destroyed:
So will’d the Fates - but these with patience read
Had vast effect on Stephen’s heart and head.
This soon appear’d: within a single week
He oped his lips, and made attempt to speak;
He fail’d indeed - but still his Friend confess’d
The best have fail’d, and he had done his best:
The first of swimmers, when at first he swims,
Has little use or freedom in his limbs;