TALE XX. THE BROTHERS. A Brother noble, Whose nature is so far from doing harms, That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty King Lear, Act I. Scene 2. He lets me feed with hinds, Bars me the place of Brother. As You Like It, Act I. Scene 1. 'Twas I, but 'tis not I: I do not shame To tell you what I was, being what I am. As You Like It, Act IV. Scene 3. THAN old George Fletcher, on the British coast, He left a Son so like him, that the old And view'd his form, they grudged the father's name. George was a bold, intrepid, careless lad, With just the failings that his father had; Isaac was weak, attentive, slow, exact, With just the virtues that his father lack'd. George lived at sea: upon the land a guést— He sought for recreation, not for rest VOL. II. P While, far unlike, his Brother's feebler form Shrank from the cold, and shudder'd at the storm ; Still with the Seaman's to connect his trade, The boy was bound where blocks and ropes were made. George, strong and sturdy, had a tender mind, And was to Isaac pitiful and kind; A very father, till his art was gain'd, And then a friend unwearied he remain'd: Friends to his fortune for his merit's sake: Isaac was poor, and this the Brother felt; He hired a house, and there the Landman dwelt ; Wrought at his trade, and had an easy home, For there would George with cash and comforts come; And when they parted, Isaac look'd around, Where other friends and helpers might be found. He wish'd for some port-place, and one might fall, An humble man who served him with a vote; George then was coasting-war was yet delay'd, And what he gain'd was to his Brother paid; Nor ask'd the Seaman what he saved or spent: But took his grog, wrought hard, and was content; Till war awaked the land, and George began To think what part became a useful man: |