University of Virginia Library

ON THE PORTRAIT OF A DONKEY.

Sweet Artist, long I burdens bore,
For many a tyrant lass;
But never had I wished before
To be a lady's ass.
Until I saw a donkey, wrought
By thy transforming hand;
Ennobled by the kindly thought
That gilds the coarsest band.
And now I gladly would be thine,
If painted I might be,
And feel the touch that must refine,
Transfigured all by thee.
Yea, I would bear the heaviest loads,
To gather, at thy gates,
The look that lifts to higher roads,
The love that educates.
What though the world should call me ass,
My fame be still decried?
Yet the lone hours would lovelier pass,
And life be glorified.