Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

An Album!—'tis a magic land,
Govern'd by a maiden hand;
It hath many a goodly scene,
Hill and dale, and woodland green;
It hath many a blooming flower,
Bright, as in a lady's bower,
Many a bird, with plumage sheen,
In its verdant groves is seen;
Many a tower and turret tall,
Palace proud, and lordly hall;
It hath many a form of grace,
Bounding step, and beaming face,
Ruby lip, and eye of love,
Such as angels have above.

Gentle lady, wouldst thou view
This scene, so lovely and so new,
Thou must offer gems more rare
Than are shining in thy hair;
Thoughts and feelings, warm and true,
Wishes pure as morning dew,
Soft sweet words of winning power,
Such must be thy votive dower.

Poet, with the pensive brow,
Wouldst thou roam where clear streams flow,
Wouldst thou gaze on charms more bright
Than the starry brow of night,
Thou must strike thy lyre and sing
Tales of sweet imagining;
Lays of love and constancy,
Such thy offering must be.

Painter, wouldst thou make thine own,
Scenes, as fair as e'er were known;

Rocky pass, and winding glade,
Glittering fount, and bright cascade,
Thou must summon all thy skill
To work that fair maiden's will;
Graceful sketch, and fair design,
Thou must offer at her shrine.

Painter, poet, gentle dame,
Such the tributes she doth claim;—
Yield them! and her beauteous smile
Shall repay ye for your toil,
Yield them! and at her command,
Ye shall view this magic land.