130
THE TRIUMPHS
They, unrepining at severe restraint,
Peevish commands, and undeserv'd complaint;
Bent with unwearied kindness to appease
Each fancied want of querulous disease;
Gave up those joys which youthful hearts engage,
To watch the weakness of parental age.
Turn to this cheerful band; and mark in this,
Spirits who justly claim my realms of bliss!
Most lovely these! when judg'd by generous truth,
Tho' beauty is not their's, nor blooming youth:
For these are they, who, in life's thorny shade,
Repin'd not at the name of ancient maid.
No proud disdain, no narrowness of heart,
Held them from Hymen's tempting rites apart;
But fair Discretion led them to withdraw
From the priz'd honour of his proffer'd law;
To quit the object of no hasty choice,
In mild submission to a parent's voice;
The valued lover with a sigh resign,
And sacrifice delight at Duty's shrine.
Peevish commands, and undeserv'd complaint;
Bent with unwearied kindness to appease
Each fancied want of querulous disease;
Gave up those joys which youthful hearts engage,
To watch the weakness of parental age.
Turn to this cheerful band; and mark in this,
Spirits who justly claim my realms of bliss!
Most lovely these! when judg'd by generous truth,
Tho' beauty is not their's, nor blooming youth:
For these are they, who, in life's thorny shade,
Repin'd not at the name of ancient maid.
No proud disdain, no narrowness of heart,
Held them from Hymen's tempting rites apart;
But fair Discretion led them to withdraw
From the priz'd honour of his proffer'd law;
To quit the object of no hasty choice,
In mild submission to a parent's voice;
The valued lover with a sigh resign,
And sacrifice delight at Duty's shrine.
