3-052-811 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

A Domestic Drama - Act I. - The Choice (between Worth and Wealth) drawn By F. Barnard, 1880. 'Sophia Winston - fifty years ago - By suitors twain was courted. A suitor, in those days, was called a beau; But ill that name assorted With Jarvis Jaggers - such a vulgar snob - Bald, ugly, fifty-seven; But rich enough, by many a cheating job, In all by Mammon given; While Paul Durand, with twenty times his brains, With half his years - 'twas funny - Could never get, by cleverness and pains, A thousandth part his money. But Paul had manners, and a handsome face, A tongue of brisk persuasion; And in the ball-room, where he showed his grace, Won hearts by swift invasion; Yet cared for none of them but this fair lady, Who knew his worth of old; To whom, as they in garden paths had strayed, he Had oft his fondness told. The wealth of Jaggers, witless, graceless, mean, Had gained Sophia's father - A lazy, needy Squire, who long had been Approaching dotage, rather - Durand was therefore now forbid to visit, As once, at Winston Hall. But Love finds opportunity; and is it Their meeting at this Ball?.... O. P. Q. From "Illustrated London News" Christmas number, 1880.