And prudent matrons praised the frugal swain;
Who thriving well, through many a fruitful year,
Now clothed himself anew, and acted overseer.
Just then poor Lucy, from her friend in town
Fled in pure fear, and came a beggar down;
Trembling, at Stephen’s door she knocked for bread, -
Was chidden first, next pitied, and then fed;
Then sat at Stephen’s board, then shared in Stephen’s bed:
All hope of marriage lost in her disgrace,
He mourns a flame revived, and she a love of lace.