Virtuous Maid

Addressed to a Young Lady

Sweet stream that winds through yonder glade,
Apt emblem of a virtuous maid -
Silent and chaste she steals along,
Far from the world’s gay busy throng;
With gentle, yet prevailing force
Intent upon her destined course;
Graceful and useful all she does,
Blessing and bless’d where’ere she goes,
Pure-bosom’d as that wat’ry glass,
And Heav’n reflected in her face.

- Cowper
Painting by John William Waterhouse
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5 Responses to Virtuous Maid

  1. 1
    Everly Pleasant says:

    That’s beautiful. I love the sketch too.
    Everly

  2. 2
    Hannah says:

    That is a beautiful poem! My favorite line, perhaps, is “Far from the world’s gay busy throng.”

  3. 3
    jeannie says:

    Lovely. Thanks for the combination of poem and painting.

  4. 4
    Lady Rael says:

    I’m going to echo Jeannie, and say… Lovely! I was especially struck with the line, “With gentle, yet prevailing force”, perhaps because I am too apt to argue and be ungentle with my brothers. Ouch. May I learn to act with more gentleness, through God’s grace!

  5. 5
    Katie Holman says:

    I LOVE the drawing. Its inspiring me…..
    The poem is beautiful as well.

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