Fierce, but by sense and kindness not unwon,
He loved, respected ev’n his wiser son;
And brooked from him expostulations sage,
When all advisers else were spurned with rage.
Far happier times had moulded Ronald’s mind,
By nature too of more sagacious kind.
His breadth of brow, and Roman shape of chin,
Squared well with the firm man that reigned within.
Contemning strife as childishness, he stood
With neighbours on kind terms of neighbourhood,