The Rector of the Parish-His Manner of teaching-Of living— Richard's Correspondence-The Letters received-Love that survives Marriage-That dies in consequence-That is permitted to die for Want of Care-Henry and Emma, a DialogueComplaints on either Side-And Replies-Mutual Accusation -Defence of acknowledged Error-Means of restoring Happiness-The one to be adopted. TALES OF THE HALL. BOOK XIV. THE NATURAL DEATH OF LOVE. RICHARD one month had with his Brother been, "A moral teacher!" some, contemptuous, cried; Still he offended, for he would discuss To ask of inspiration's self the aid Of truths by him so sturdily maintain'd, His life was pure, and him they could commend, In this he fail'd; and his the greater blame, Him Richard heard, and by his friendly aid And had his question answer'd, "Who are they?" Twice in the week came letters, and delight George saw and smiled- "To lovers we allow "All this o'erflowing, but a husband thou! "A father too; can time create no change? "Married, and still so foolish?—very strange! "What of this wife or mistress is the art?"— "The simple truth, my Brother, to impart, "Her heart, whene'er she writes, feels writing to a heart." 66 Fortune, dear Richard, is thy friend—a wife "Like thine must soften every care of life, "And all its woes-I know a pair, whose lives "Run in the common track of men and wives; "And half their worth, at least, this pair would give "Could they like thee and thy Matilda live. 66 They were, as lovers, of the fondest kind, "With no defects in manner or in mind; "In habit, temper, prudence, they were those "Whom, as examples, I could once propose, "Now this, when married, you no longer trace, "But discontent and sorrow in the place: "Their pictures, taken as the pair I saw "In a late contest, I have tried to draw; " "Tis but a sketch, and at my idle time "I put my couple in the garb of rhyme : "Thou art a critic of the milder sort, "And thou wilt judge with favour my report. "Let me premise, twelve months have flown away, "Swiftly or sadly, since the happy day. "Let us suppose the couple left to spend Some hours without engagement or a friend; |