Note 620 — PREFACE TO THE EDITION OF 1814 (continued 3)

There doth he lie.—In this his native Vale He owned and tilled a little plot of land; Here, with his Consort and his Children, saw Days—that were seldom crossed by petty strife, Years—safe from large misfortune; and maintained That course which minds, of insight not too keen, Might look on with entire complacency. Yet, in himself and near him, there were faults At work to undermine his happy state By sure, though tardy progress. Active, prompt, And lively was the Housewife; in the Vale None more industrious; but her industry Ill-judged, full oft, and specious, tended more To splendid neatness; to a shewy, trim, And overlaboured purity of house; Than to substantial thrift. He, on his part, Generous and easy-minded, was not free From carelessness; and thus, in lapse of time, These joint infirmities induced decay Of worldly substance; and distress of mind, That to a thoughtful Man was hard to shun, And which he could not cure. A blooming Girl Served in the house, a Favourite that had grown Beneath his eye, encouraged by his care. Poor now in tranquil pleasure he gave way To thoughts of troubled pleasure; he became A lawless Suitor to the Maid; and she 1814. Yielded unworthily.—Unhappy Man!