Poems by Felicia Dorothea Browne/Lines to Major Cox on Receiving from Him an Elegant Box of Colours

by Felicia Hemans

LINES TO MAJOR COX,

ON RECEIVING FROM HIM AN ELEGANT BOX OF COLOURS.

Tho' youthful ardour fires my glowing heart,
To copy Nature with enchanting Art;
Ah! still I fondly strive with effort vain,
The pencil's flowing graces to attain.
But when Instruction guides my roving feet,
To reach the Muse of Painting's lofty seat;
Where Genius learns in magic colours warm,
To join Expression's fire, and Beauty's form;
If then 'tis mine with energy to trace
The varied charms of Nature's blooming face;
To dress the mimic flowers in rainbow dyes,
Bright as the blushes of the orient skies;

In glowing hues to bid the landscape live,
Or to the figure animation give;
Oh! then, my pencil's tribute justly due,
Sweet Gratitude shall consecrate to you.