University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
Christina

the Maid of the South Seas; A Poem. By Mary Russell Mitford

collapse section 
  
TO SIR WILLIAM ELFORD, BART.
collapse section 
 1. 
 2. 
 3. 
 4. 
  


ix

TO SIR WILLIAM ELFORD, BART.

Have you not mark'd, when sudden clouds arise,
And short-liv'd tempests threat fair April's skies,
The timid dove, of shadowy ills afraid,
Fly o'er the plain, and seek th' embowering glade;
Then plume her breast, and thro' the sheltering grove
Pour her mild notes of gratitude and love?
So, shrinking from the critic frown, I flew
On trembling wing to Genius and to you;
Proud with your wreath my Indian flower to blend,
Elford, far prouder thus to hail you Friend!
MARY RUSSELL MITFORD. Bertram House, March, 1811.