Page:The works of Anna Laetitia Barbauld volume 1.djvu/289

Rh Shall he receive. Vainly he feeds his hopes With dinner of roast chicken, savoury pie, Or tart or pudding:—pudding he nor tart That day shall eat; nor, though the husband try, Mending what can't be helped, to kindle mirth From cheer deficient, shall his consort's brow Clear up propitious:— the unlucky guest In silence dines, and early slinks away. I well remember, when a child, the awe This day struck into me ; for then the maids, I scarce knew why, looked cross, and drove me from them: Nor soft caress could I obtain, nor hope Usual indulgencies; jelly or creams, Relic of costly suppers, and set by For me their petted one ; or buttered toast, When butter was forbid ; or thrilling tale Of ghost or witch, or murder so I went And sheltered me beside the parlour fire: There my dear grandmother, eldest of forms, Tended the little ones, and watched from harm,