The mind is useless, if the hand, No occupation can command, To ease the learning gained; The eye grows dim o'er books alone And dull and heavy in its tone, If once 'tis overstrained. Had I a daughter, I would try To give of learning such supply As other works should crown: I'd build a tower six stories there. With rooms ascending by the stair, Each one with purpose known. I'd choose a spot, whence far and wide Yon lovely river in its pride Glides gracefully along; Where every room which higher rose, A scene extended should disclose, Fit theme for poet's song. The basement story on the ground, Should be with benches fitted round, And wide the porch and door, That here my daughter every morn, Should know the wants of the lowly born, And listen to the poor. The story next I'd dedicate To works of industry, of late Becoming females bland: To needlework or tapestry, Her active fingers should apply. Taught by some Flemish hand. The story next--to music's sway I should devote, that she might play On lute or lyre with skill: Her voice accompanied should sound, Enchanting through the groves around, And make all nature thrill. My next to art of painting raised, Should be with lightest windows glased. A studio bright and clear: The tints of nature should be seen, Landscapes and figures intervene, Alternate studies here. My next should be with books supplied, And writing instruments beside, With learning's aids at hand: This study should devoted be, To learning's richest treasury All other rooms command. My last and highest should be given To contemplate the stars of heaven, And study their design: Astronomy should here unfold Worlds upon worlds, whose works untold No mortal can define. And here sometimes at night I'd be, To let my daughter clearly see, How works of wisdom shine: The fires above her soul should charm, As fires below our bodies warm, That we may not repine. So gratified was fair Ellen with this poetical device, that she scarcely closed her eyes that night for thinking of the spot, and of the kind of ornamental tower which should be raised for such a purpose. The next day, the site was fixed upon by Lord De Freston and his daughter; and Latimer promised to make plans of the dimensions of the rooms, and drawings of the elevation. How beautifully the works were completed even the lapse of so many centuries has not failed to prove. Workmen were soon engaged, Daundy's ships brought the Caen stone for ornamental copings, and the bricks from Ipswich were soon laid, and a tower, according in every respect with the plan of the projector, was erected.