TALES OF THE HALL.

BOOK XI.

A Mother's Advice Trials for a young Lady-Ancient Lovers The Mother a Wife-Grandmamma-Genteel' EconomyFrederick, a young Collegian-Grandmamma dies-Retreat with Biddy-Comforts of the Poor-Return Home-Death of the Husband-Nervous Disorders Conversion-Frederick a Teacher-Retreat to Sidmouth-Self-examination-The Mother dies-Frederick a Soldier-Retirement with a Friend— Their Happiness how interrupted-Frederick an Actor-Is dismissed and supported-A last Adventure.

TALES OF THE HALL.

BOOK XI.

THE MAID'S STORY.

THREE days remain'd their friend, and then again The Brothers left, themselves to entertain;

When spake the younger-" It would please me well "To hear thy spinster-friend her story tell;

"And our attention would be nobly paid

"Thus to compare the Bachelor and Maid."

66 nor one

"Frank as she is," replied the Squire, "Is more disposed to show what she has done "With time, or time with her; yet all her care "And every trial she might not declare "To one a stranger; but to me, her friend, "She has the story of those trials penn'd; "These shalt thou hear, for well the maid I know,

"And will her efforts and her conquests show.

"Jacques is abroad, and we alone shall dine,
"And then to give this lady's tale be mine;
"Thou wilt attend to this good spinster's life,
“And grieve and wonder she is not a wife;
"But if we judge by either words or looks,
"Her mode of life, her morals, or her books,
"Her pure devotion, unaffected sense,
"Her placid air, her mild benevolence,
"Her gay good humour, and her manners free,
"She is as happy as a maid can be;
"If as a wife, I know not, and decline

Question like this, till I can judge of thine."

Then from a secret hoard drew forth the Squire
His tale, and said, " Attention I require-

My verse you may condemn, my theme you must admire."

I to your kindness speak, let that prevail,
And of my frailty judge as beings frail.

My father dying, to my mother left

An infant charge, of all things else bereft;