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
Painting by John William Waterhouse
5 Comments
That’s beautiful. I love the sketch too.
Everly
That is a beautiful poem! My favorite line, perhaps, is “Far from the world’s gay busy throng.”
Lovely. Thanks for the combination of poem and painting.
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!
I LOVE the drawing. Its inspiring me…..
The poem is beautiful as well.