[Pg 14]

Him closely following, with a thoughtful pace

And slow, the young Ernestus took his place;

Like Bernheim, graced with an illustrious birth,

But hapless Sweden was his native earth.

His father sunk by death's untimely doom,

His youthful mother followed to the tomb,

And to a honour'd friend's paternal care

Bequeath'd her only hope, her infant heir.

With wary steps had Harfagar pass'd o'er

The world's wide scene, and learn'd its various lore;

And, with religion's pole-star for his guide,

Serenely voyaged life's tempestuous tide.

Yet in Ernestus' mind his skilful sense

Observ'd no dawn of future excellence;

He found no early graces to adorn

Of springing life the inauspicious morn;

No prompt benevolence, no sacred flow

Of purest feeling taught his heart to glow;

[Pg 15]

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