Mark him, how his power he uses, There, he wheels in downward mazes; ANSWER. "Stranger, 'tis no act of courage But such mockery as the nations Such it is; the aspiring creature Dry and withered, light and yellow;- Its endeavouring!" 1817. XVIII. ON SEEING A NEEDLECASE IN THE FORM OF A. HARP. THE WORK OF E.M.S. FROWNS are on every Muse's face, A very Harp in all but size! Needles for strings in apt gradation! Even her own needle that subdued Arachne's rival spirit, Though wrought in Vulcan's happiest mood, And this, too, from the Laureate's Child, How will her Sire be reconciled I spake, when whispered a low voice, Spirits of all degrees rejoice ON SEEING A NEEDLECASE IN THE FORM OF A HARP. 37 The Minstrels of Pygmean bands, Dwarf Genii, moonlight-loving Fays, Some, still more delicate of ear, Gay Sylphs this miniature will court, Whence strains to love-sick maiden dear, Trust, angry Bard! a knowing Sprite, Nor think the Harp her lot deplores; Though 'mid the stars the Lyre shine bright, 1827. XIX. TO A LADY, IN ANSWER TO A REQUEST THAT I WOULD WRITE HER A POEM UPON SOME DRAWINGS THAT SHE HAD MADE OF FLOWERS IN THE ISLAND OF MADEIRA. FAIR Lady! can I sing of flowers I who ne'er sate within their bowers, Nor through their sunny lawns have strayed? By Shepherd-groom or May-day queen, These eyes have never seen. Yet tho' to me the pencil's art Still as we look with nicer care, Some new resemblance we may trace; From earth to heaven with motion fleet And there a Shepherd's weather-glass; Shall grace the fairest, sweetest, plant Whose presence cheers the drooping frame Of English Emigrant. Gazing she feels its powers beguile pass, Sad thoughts, and breathes with easier breath; Alas! that meek that tender smile Is but a harbinger of death: And pointing with a feeble hand She says, in faint words by sighs broken, Bear for me to my native land This precious Flower, true love's last token. XX. GLAD sight wherever new with old Is joined through some dear homeborn tie; Depends upon that mystery. Vain is the glory of the sky, |