Then Jane, obedient to her father’s will,
Brought forth a pitcher of their household ale,
And from the larder at the cottage rear
The frugal remnant of a well-fed steer,—
With which, and some brown-bread, she form’d a feast,
To entertain—as best they could—their noble guest:
And not untimely was the feast supplied,
Partook, digested, and right-well enjoy’d.
The amber goblet pass’d from hand to hand,
And as it pass’d—a health to Hollybrand,
Else his dear daughter Jane, with good intent;
They in return return’d the compliment:
So pass’d the meal. Now, to confirm his vow,
The earnest suitor kiss’d Jane’s virtuous brow;
Reveal’d a compact, and then read it o’er;
And, pointing to the impression which it bore,
Said, “There, dear Hollybrand, and Jane, you see
My signature is set, in all sincerity:
With thee I’ll leave it, and my honour too,
As the best pledge of my designs to you;—
Take it,” said Arnold, “as my heart—my whole—
For it contains the promptings of my soul:
May God bear witness to the solemn deed!
And now I ask, dear George, are you agreed?”
The emphasis with which these words were spoke’
(Whilst modest Hollybrand the paper took)
Produced a meet sensation!—hence a pause
Consistent with th’ importance of the cause.
Then George into the inner room withdrew
To scan the documents, in earnest, through:
He saw: believ’d the signature was real,
And also recognis’d the ancient seal.