Miss Jay.
O who would build
On dreaming in this century of light?
Why, Stiver had a dream the other night;
There came a letter singularly sealed—
Mrs. Strawman.
It's <g>treasure</g> such a dream prognosticates.
Miss Jay [nodding].
Yes, and next day they sued him for the rates.
[The ladies make a circle round Lind and go in conversation with him into the garden.
Strawman [continuing, to Anna, who faintly tries to escape].
From these considerations, daughter mine,
From these considerations, buttressed all
With reason, morals, and the Word Divine,
You now perceive that to desert your Call
Were absolutely inexcusable.
Anna [half crying].
Oh! I'm so young—
Strawman.
And it is natural,
I own, that one should tremble to essay
These perils, dare the lures that there waylay;
But from doubt's tangle you must now break free,—
Be of good cheer and follow Moll and me!
