Grave matrons ev’n were shocked to hear him slight
Authenticated facts of second-sight—
Yet never flinched his mockery to confound
The brutal superstition reigning round.
Reserved himself, still Ronald loved to scan
Men’s natures—and he liked th’ old hearty man;
So did the partner of his heart and life—
Who pleased her Ronald, ne’er displeased his wife.
His sense, ’tis true, compared with Norman’s son,
Was commonplace—his tales too long outspun: