Poems (Frances Elizabeth Browne)/Lines for an album
For works with similar titles, see Lines for an album.
LINES FOR AN ALBUM.TO MISS A. S.
Alicia bids me wake the lay, Alicia courts my muse;Sweet girl, with pleasure I obey,— 'T were painful to refuse;
For well I feel, though weak the strain, Though poor the lines may flow,No critic harsh have I to gain, Approval to bestow.
Alicia loves the simplest proof Of friendship and regard;To gain her smile were boon enough To inspire a worthier bard.
But much I fear her poet's lyre, Though tuned with earnest heart,Can never equal or aspire To half her painter's art.
No flowers have I of hue so bright As his to adorn the page,No brilliant tints to attract the sight, And pleased regard engage;
Else should the rose of England twine With Erin's shamrock green,And friendship's ivy-leaf divine Bloom verdantly between.