Classic Poem

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! "