TO THE COUNTESS OF PORTSMOUTH,
IN MEMORY OF PLEASANT HOURS AT EGGESFORD, THIS BOOK IS, WITH HER PERMISSION, Dedicated
AT EGGESFORD, Easter 1885.
Outside the Hall the Primrose clusters wild,
Unhid wild Violets rear their lowly heads—
Each wanton hand that plucks and foot that treads
By the broad shadow of the Hall exiled.
Outside the Hall the Cottar's wife and child
Can sleep as safely in their lowly beds,
By the kind Presence, from the Hall which spreads,
From want and trampling force kept undefiled.
Inside the Hall the Spirit, which protects,
The humble folk and flowers at the gate,
Pours forth a primrose-violet hue of home,—
Mixed bright and modest,—though it ne'er neglects
The higher living meet for high estate,
The duties which with lofty lineage come.
