And while the customary fruits were laid
On the loved father’s board, his faithful wife
And cheerful offspring shared the coarsest food:
He knew it not, nor ever would have known,
But for the prying humour of a neighbour.
She told this simple tale, and rose to go.
No ray of light had visited his eyes,
Yet he was half consoled, and pleased to think
He had fulfilled his duty to his children:
And though he had not found the boon he sought,