For by the hand he took them, and
Remarked in accents smooth :
"One thing I ask. Be mine the task
These stricken babes to soothe!
My country home is really charming:
I'll teach them all the joys of farming."

One halcyon week they fished his creek,
And watched him do the chores,
In haylofts hid, and, shouting, slid
Down sloping cellar doors:—
Because this life to bliss was equal
The more distressing is the sequel.