Sonett-Forum

TO ELIZABETH PEASE,
OF DARLINGTON, ENGLAND.


A NATIVE dignity and gentle mien;
An intellect expansive, clear and strong ;
A spirit that can tolerate no wrong ;
A heart as large as ever yet was seen ;

A soul in every exigence serene,
In which all virtuous excellencies throng :
These, best of women ! all to thee belong :
What more of Royalty has England's Queen ?

Thy being is absorbed in doing good,
As was thy LORD'S, to all the human race ;
With courage, faith, hope, charity endued,

All forms of wretchedness thou dost embrace ;
Still be thy work of light and love pursued,
And thy career shall angels joy to trace.




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