[Page f.28r]
Lines intended for my Niece's Album
Dear Maiden did thy youthful mind
Dally with emblems sad? or gay?
When thou gavest the word — and it was done —
“My Book shall appear in green array.” ⟨not to be put in this album⟩
Well didst thou speak, and well devise,
‘Tis Nature’s choice, her favoured hue,
The badge she carries on her front,
And Nature is faithful is, and true!
She, careful Warder, duly guards
⟨The⟩ Each works of God’s Almighty power;
⟨Tree, herb, and fruit, and flower splendid flower./ Insect & bird, herb, fruit, and flower.
Preserves?⟩
Sustains with her diffusive breath
All moving thingsherb and flowerthat has life
All that has life — the tree the herb the flower
All moving things & andtree & herb & flower
Like office hath this tiny Book;
Memorials of the Good and Wise,
Kind counsels, mild reproofs that bind
The Dead to the Living by holy ties,
Parental blessings, Friendship’s vows,
Hope, love, and Brother’s truth
Here, all preserved with duteous care,
Retain their dower of endless youth.
Perennial green enfolds these leaves;
They lie enclosed in glossy sheath
As spotless as the lily flower,
Till touched by a quickening breath
And it has touched them: Yes, dear Girl,
⟨In⟩ reverence of thy “gifted Sire”
A wreath for thee is here entwined
⟨Begin here)⟩ By his true Brothers of the Lyre
The Farewell of the laurelled Knight
Traced by a brave but tremulous hand,
Pledge of his truth and loyalty
Through changeful years unchanged shall stand ⟨Tree, shrub, and fruit and herb & flower⟩
[Page f.28v]
Confiding hopes of youthful hearts
And each bright visionary scheme
Shall here remain in vivid hues,
The hues of a celestial dream.
But why should I inscribe my name,
No Poet I — no longer young ?
The ambition of a loving heart
Makes garrulous the tongue.
Memorials of thy aged Friend,
Dora! thou dost not need,
And when the cold earth covers her ⟨me⟩
No praises flatterypraisesshall she heed. ⟨Q? no praises?⟩
Yet still a lurking wish prevails
The Friends who love thy Parents’ name
Yet still a lurking wish prevails
That when from Life we all have passed
The Friends who love thy Parents’ name
On hers a thought may cast.
Rydal — May — 1832
