Page:Pocahontas, and Other Poems.djvu/254

 STATUE OF THE SPINNING GIRL,

AT CHATSWORTH, THE SEAT OF THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE.

��SPIN on, most beautiful.

There's none to mock Thy simple labour here. Majestic forms Of high renown, and brows of classic grace, Whose sculptured features speak the breathing soul, Rise in illustrious ranks, but not to scorn Thy lowly toil.

Even so, it was of old, That woman's hand, amid the elements Of patient industry and household good, Reproachless wrought, twining the slender thread From the light distaff, or in skilful loom Weaving rich tissues, or with glowing tints Of rich embroidery, pleas'd to decorate The mantle of her lord. And it was well, For, in such shelter 'd and congenial sphere, Content with duty dwelt.

Yet few there are, Sweet Filatrice, who in their earnest task

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