—Her wedded days had opened with mishap,
Whence dire dependence. What could she perform
To shake the burthen off? Ah! there was felt,
Indignantly, the weakness of her sex.
She mused, resolved, adhered to her resolve;
The hand grew slack in alms-giving, the heart[579]
Closed by degrees to charity; heaven's blessing
Not seeking from that source, she placed her trust[580]
In ceaseless pains—and strictest parsimony
Which sternly hoarded all that could be spared,