Till some such other piece of luck betide,

Who knows? Since this is a mere start in life,

And none of them exceeds the twentieth year.

Nay, more i' the background yet? Unnoticed forms

Claim to be classed, subordinately vile?

Complacent lookers-on that laugh,—perchance

Shake head as their friend's horse-play grows too rough

With the mere child he manages amiss—

But would not interfere and make bad worse

For twice the fractious tears and prayers: thou know'st