Was but mere madness in this couple’s sight:

Susan could think, though not without a sigh,

If she were gone, who should her place supply;

And Robert, half in earnest, half in jest,

Talk of her spouse when he should be at rest:

Yet strange would either think it to be told,

Their love was cooling or their hearts were cold.

Few were their acres, - but, with these content,

They were, each pay-day, ready with their rent:

And few their wishes - what their farm denied,