Page:Poetical pieces on various subjects.pdf/17



Adulphus, for a time, possessed wealth,

Acquir'd by honest means and not by stealth,

Three hundred pounds per annum, well paid down,

He that could boast and term it all his own;

This bounty heaven in kindness to him sent,

Few were his cares and he was still content;

His days were gliding on in sweet career,

The fear of want robb'd not his mind of cheer:

At last it happen'd on an afternoon,

When in his garden he to sleep lay down,

While there asleep he dream'd a person came,

Of a sweet aspect, calling him by name,

Said he, Adulphus, your integrity,

Is not o'erlook'd nor can be passed by,

Your virtuous deeds kind heav'n does regard,

And from above you shall have a reward.

On this day twelvemonth, at this very hour,

You thirty thousand pounds shall have in store,

Yea, from my hand you shall the same receive;

Observe the time; this you may well believe.