The Parish Register by George Crabbe
page 31 of 84 (36%)
page 31 of 84 (36%)
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Marriage, how spent--Relation of the Accomplishments of Phoebe
Dawson, a rustic Beauty: her Lover: his Courtship: their Marriage--Misery of Precipitation--The wealthy Couple: Reluctance in the Husband; why?--Unusually fair Signatures in the Register: the common Kind--Seduction of Lucy Collins by Footman Daniel: her rustic Lover: her Return to him--An ancient Couple: Comparisons on the Occasion--More pleasant View of Village Matrimony: Farmers celebrating the Day of Marriage: their Wives--Reuben and Rachael, a happy Pair: an example of prudent Delay--Reflections on their State who were not so prudent, and its Improvement towards the Termination of Life: an old Man so circumstanced--Attempt to seduce a Village Beauty: Persuasion and Reply: the Event. DISPOSED to wed, e'en while you hasten, stay; There's great advantage in a small delay: Thus Ovid sang, and much the wise approve This prudent maxim of the priest of Love; If poor, delay for future want prepares, And eases humble life of half its cares; If rich, delay shall brace the thoughtful mind, T'endure the ills that e'en the happiest find: Delay shall knowledge yield on either part, And show the value of the vanquish'd heart; The humours, passions, merits, failings prove, And gently raise the veil that's worn by Love; Love, that impatient guide!--too proud to think Of vulgar wants, of clothing, meat, and drink, Urges our amorous swains their joys to seize, And then, at rags and hunger frighten'd, flees: Yet not too long in cold debate remain; |
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