4
SONNET
TO E.J.R., ON HER BIRTHDAY.
Brief years ago I saw a bud peep forth—
A timid bud—and now the opening rose
In fuller bloom its fragrance round us throws,
In all the beauty of its ripening worth;
And the rich treasure of its inward sweets,
With fond admiring eyes we daily find.
The humble heart, the high and cultured mind,
The modesty that shims the praise it meets.
Pleasant it is in public scenes to see,
Amid those varied throngs,so sweet a flower.
And yet, beloved, far dearer unto thee,
With thy bright smiles to glad thy parent bower!
Long may thy gentle beauty bless our sight—
Long thy meek graces there diffuse delight.
A timid bud—and now the opening rose
In fuller bloom its fragrance round us throws,
In all the beauty of its ripening worth;
And the rich treasure of its inward sweets,
With fond admiring eyes we daily find.
The humble heart, the high and cultured mind,
The modesty that shims the praise it meets.
Pleasant it is in public scenes to see,
Amid those varied throngs,so sweet a flower.
And yet, beloved, far dearer unto thee,
With thy bright smiles to glad thy parent bower!
Long may thy gentle beauty bless our sight—
Long thy meek graces there diffuse delight.
