 | Household Verses |  |
53
SONNET,
TO JENNIE FANNY SUMNER, OF FARNHAM CASTLE.
SUGGESTED BY A PORTRAIT OF THE BISHOP OF WINCHESTER.
Lady, I cannot tell thee half the
worth
Our Bishop's portraiture still boasts for me;
The pleasant memories both of him and thee,
And other loved ones round your household hearth,
To which, in dull November's dreary dearth
Of outward sunshine, it affords a key;
Recalling hours, whose converse, frank and free,
Rivals what brighter seasons could give birth.
Well sang a master of the tuneful art,
“A thing of beauty is a joy for ever!”
And “golden hours,” so “angel-winged,” can never
From thought and feeling utterly depart,
Until a faithful memory and fond heart
Be forced from friendship's sweetest ties to sever.
Our Bishop's portraiture still boasts for me;
The pleasant memories both of him and thee,
And other loved ones round your household hearth,
To which, in dull November's dreary dearth
Of outward sunshine, it affords a key;
Recalling hours, whose converse, frank and free,
Rivals what brighter seasons could give birth.
Well sang a master of the tuneful art,
“A thing of beauty is a joy for ever!”
And “golden hours,” so “angel-winged,” can never
From thought and feeling utterly depart,
Until a faithful memory and fond heart
Be forced from friendship's sweetest ties to sever.
11 Mo. 16, 1844.
| Household Verses | |