Lest some ill-greeting touch attempt the person
Eld. Bro. [I do not, brother],
Infer as if I thought my sister’s state
Secure without all doubt or controversy;
Yet, where an equal poise of hope and fear 410
Does arbitrate the event, my nature is
That I incline to hope rather than fear,
And gladly banish [squint suspicion].
My sister is not so defenceless left