And it was rare such perfect love to see

As was their love. But they were not to be

Divided long. Ere one short year had pass’d,

Our tender mother’s penetrating eye

Saw that disease a with’ring blow had cast

Upon her only son, and he was failing fast.

VI.

’Tis much to say his mother was his friend;

For this implies such holy confidence,

As will at once his filial heart commend;