26.12.2010, 12:08
TO MY SISTER MARY.
Sister, accept these lays ; as yet I ween
No lay but mine has opened with thy name,
I would I were a bard of mightier fame,
Then would this tribute of ?nore price have been.
And thou had'st worn a costlier pledge, in sign
Of my deep love I My name is all imhiown,
And, daring not to venture forth alone.
It fondly seeks companionship of thine ;
And thou dost love me more than to believe
Thy brother's song can furnish shame to thee;
Critics ! be your dispraise from harshness free.
And scornful gibe, nor give her cause to grieve.
For, ifye sternly say 1 catinot sing.
My sister's name is on a shamed thing !
Sister, accept these lays ; as yet I ween
No lay but mine has opened with thy name,
I would I were a bard of mightier fame,
Then would this tribute of ?nore price have been.
And thou had'st worn a costlier pledge, in sign
Of my deep love I My name is all imhiown,
And, daring not to venture forth alone.
It fondly seeks companionship of thine ;
And thou dost love me more than to believe
Thy brother's song can furnish shame to thee;
Critics ! be your dispraise from harshness free.
And scornful gibe, nor give her cause to grieve.
For, ifye sternly say 1 catinot sing.
My sister's name is on a shamed thing !