The Works of William Mason :: :: University of Virginia Library

144

EPITAPH VIII. ON MRS. ANN E. MORRITT,

IN THE CHURCH OF SELBY, DISTINGUISHED FOR COPYING, IN NEEDLE-WORK, SEVERAL PICTURES OF SOME OF THE FIRST ARTISTS.

Blest Shade, whose Genius in thy earliest days
Fir'd thee to emulate the Pencil's praise,
To seize the Painter's powers without the name,
And soar on female attributes to Fame!
This verse records how to those powers were join'd
The strongest manliest energies of mind,
Records those years of pain thy frame sustain'd
With patience firm, with Love and Faith unfeign'd,
And Hope, that ever hov'ring o'er thy head,
The brilliant palm of bliss eternal spread.

Her works, deservedly admired, are now in the possession of J. B. S. Morritt, Esq. at Rokeby Park, Yorkshire.