Where, at his leisure, he was mostly found.
Thus passed, most pleasantly, his youthful days,
All intermingled with his boyish plays,
And sometimes meriting a need of praise.




BOOK II.


THE ARGUMENT.--Address to domestic bliss. Its influence on society.
Principal source from whence it springs, viz: conjugal union faithfully
cherished. An appeal to parents and law-givers on the subject.
WILLIAM'S training under its influence. Difficulties in procuring a
trade. Success at last. Reflections on, and encouragements to, such
trades. Temptations and trials. Anecdotes. Appeal to masters and
others. Narrow escape from a cut-throat. Courtship and its
consequences. Conclusion.

Domestic bliss! what tongue can speak thy praise!
What poet give, even in his noblest lays,
An eulogy that shall thy charms express,
Clothed in Truth's language, thy own native dress?
To thy sweet influence do we owe the choice
Of all mankind, whoever raised their voice
In Freedom's cause, or stood on battle-ground,
While Liberty her banner waved around.
To thee, when governed by God's holy book,
Must we in future for true heroes look.