[This quatrain was extempore on observing this image, as I had often done, on the lawn of Rydal Mount. It was first written down in the Album of my God-daughter, Rotha Quillinan.--I.F.] In 1837 this was one of the “Inscriptions.” In 1845 it was transferred to the “Miscellaneous Poems.”--ED. Small service is true service while it lasts: Of humblest Friends, bright Creature! scorn not one![9] The Daisy, by the shadow that it casts, Protects the lingering dew-drop from the Sun.[10] [8] The original title (1835) was “Written in an Album.” In 1837 it was “Written in the Album of a Child.” In 1845 the title was reconstructed as above. [9] 1845. Of Friends, however humble, scorn not one: 1835. [10] Compare the lines, written in 1845, beginning-- So fair, so sweet, withal so sensitive. ED. LINES WRITTEN IN THE ALBUM OF THE COUNTESS OF LONSDALE,[11] NOV. 5, 1834 Composed 1834.--Published 1835 [This is a faithful picture of that amiable Lady, as she then was. The youthfulness of figure and demeanour and habits, which she retained in almost unprecedented degree, departed a very few years after, and she died without violent disease by gradual decay before she reached the period of old age.--I.F.] This was placed, in 1845, among the “Miscellaneous Poems.”--ED. Lady! a Pen (perhaps with thy regard, Among the Favoured, favoured not the least) Left, ’mid the Records of this Book inscribed, Deliberate traces, registers of thought And feeling, suited to the place and time 5 That gave them birth:--months passed, and still this hand, That had not been too timid to imprint Words which the virtues of thy Lord inspired, Was yet not bold enough to write of Thee. And why that scrupulous reserve? In sooth 10 The blameless cause lay in the Theme itself. Flowers are there many that delight to strive With the sharp wind, and seem to court the shower, Yet are by nature careless of the sun Whether he shine on them or not; and some, 15 Where’er he moves along the unclouded sky, Turn a broad front full on his flattering beams: Others do rather from their notice shrink, Loving the dewy shade,--a humble band, Modest and sweet, a progeny of earth, 20 Congenial with thy mind and character, High-born Augusta! Witness Towers, and Groves! And Thou, wild Stream, that giv’st the honoured name[12] Of Lowther to this ancient Line, bear witness[13] From thy most secret haunts; and ye Parterres, 25 Which She is pleased and proud to call her own, Witness how oft upon my noble Friend _Mute_ offerings, tribute from an inward sense Of admiration and respectful love, Have waited--till the affections could no more 30 Endure that silence, and broke out in song,