Page:Poems Sigourney 1827.pdf/199

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Whom have thy curving arms embraced Thou ancient, stately chair? Since first thy form the parlor graced And claim'd the housewife's care.

For full a century, I ween, Its mighty round has made, Since first thy columns black and sheen Their maker's skill display'd.

The slippery Sofa's glossy dress Allures the weary wight, But soon his sliding limbs confess Their most uneasy plight,—

Though still it decks the modern hall The eye of taste to please: While thou, a favourite art of all Who love the balm of ease.

On thee, the invalid reclined, His form by sickness chain'd, Though haply still, his soaring mind Its prison house disdain'd,—

And wandering wide o'er fairy land Collected rainbow rays, Or waked with memory's magic wand Fair forms of other days.

Here has some ancient maiden bright Repell'd encroaching Time, Ensconced in stiff-laced stays upright With high-heel'd shoe sublime.