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Household Verses

By Bernard Barton
  
  

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FOR THE QUEEN'S ALBUM.
  
  
  
  
  
  
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233

FOR THE QUEEN'S ALBUM.

COMPOSED IN A DREAM.

Introductory Note to the two following Album Verses.

Once, and once only in my life, I was in the royal presence: at some courtly festival, I opine; for I “sate at meat” with unwonted company, and surrounded by regal splendour. Chide me not, gentle reader, with presumption; for it was— in a dream! and I am sure no waking thoughts of mine led me there. In this most strange conjunction, I was called on for a contribution to the Royal Album! Awake, under such circumstances, I feel certain I could not have written letter or line: in my sleep I was bolder, and actually perpetrated two stanzas; which I subjoin, as a literary curiosity, having been, veritably, composed in a dream.

A blessing on thy crownéd head!
My country's youthful Queen!
If such may be or sung or said,
Amid this courtly scene!
And if a poet's loyal love
Might more than this impart,
Oh! may that blessing from above
Sink deep into thy heart!