Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/368

 MISS EDGEWORTH. 343

ments full of animation. She was at the house of a love ly sister, much younger than herself, whose ill health called forth such deep anxiety and untiring attention, and for every favorable symptom such fervent grati tude, as seemed to blend features of maternal tender ness with sisterly affection. It is always gratifying to know that those, by whose superior intellect we are charmed or enlightened, have their hearts in the right place. Many such illustrations delighted me while abroad, in the varied and beautiful forms of domestic love and duty.

Truthful and tender as thy pictured page

Flows on thy life. Oh, it was joy to me Thine earnest welcome to my pilgrimage

And friendly intercourse so warm and free ; For in my own far land, both youth and sire,

Held willing captives of thy lore refined, Will of thy features and thy form inquire,

And keep the transcript in their loving mind ; Yea, merry children, who with glowing cheek

Have o er thy stories linger d night and day, Will lift the fervent eye to hear me speak

Of her who held them oft times from their play, And closer press, as if to show a part Of the delight thy smile enkindled in my heart.

�� �