She found it well that her sweet seventeen

Should live at peace with fifty, and was seen

Just as she felt, contented with her lot,

Pleased with what was and pleased with what was not.

She held her husband the more dear that he

Was kind within the bounds of courtesy,

And love was not as yet within her plan,

And life was fair, and wisdom led the van.

16

For she was wise—oh, wise! She rose at eight

And played her scales till breakfast, and then sat

The morning through with staid and serious looks,

Counting the columns of her household books,

Her daily labour, or with puzzled head

Bent over languages alive and dead,

Wise as, alas! in life those only are

Who have not yet beheld a twentieth year.

Wealth had its duties, time its proper use,

Youth and her marriage should be no excuse;

Her education must be made complete!

 Prev. P 12/124 next