TALE XX. THE BROTHERS. A brother noble, Whose nature is so far from doing harms, That he suspects none; on whose foolish honesty My practice may ride easy. 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. 1 TALE XX. THE BROTHERS. THAN old George Fletcher, on the British coast, His days in labour and in love were spent. He left a son so like him, that the old With joy exclaim'd, ""Tis Fletcher we behold;" And view'd his form, they grudged the father's name. With just the failings that his father had; George lived at sea: upon the land a guest― He sought for recreation, not for rest 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, He hired a house, and there the landman dwelt; For there would George with cash and comforts come; Where other friends and helpers might be found. He wish'd for some port-place, and one might fall, He wisely thought, if he should try for all; He had a vote-and, were it well applied, Might have its worth-and he had views beside; An humble man who served him with a vote; His ancient friend, a maiden spare and grave: George then was coasting-war was yet delay'd, But took his grog, wrought hard, and was content; became a useful man: "Press'd, I must go; why, then, 'tis better far "At once to enter like a British tar, "Than a brave captain and the foe to shun, "As if I fear'd the music of a gun." |