 | Dreams of Life : |  |
56
X.
Thus Fontaine spoke: “I, sir, must pray“Your patience, while, in short, I say,
“That which, in justice, you should know,
“And fitter place and time than now
“May never come again, I vow.
“Sadie—my daughter, and your wife—
“Will end, I trust, the bitter strife
“That now has stood for many a year
“Between myself and John Lefair.
“An only cherished child is she,
“And nothing less can be to me.
“My plenteous wealth and this my arm
“Will shield her from whatever harm
“The present or the future brings—
“If you'll accept of such small things!
“Their wealth with you and her, your bride,
“Your common parents will divide;—
“For though her mother was a slave,
“Her father rated as a knave,
“Her husband now will soon forget
“His wife has Afric blood in veins
“He deemed as pure as old Fontaine's!
“I leave you, hoping you much health,
“And, when you please, come share our wealth!”
| Dreams of Life : | |