Snatches of music taken up and dropt Like those self-solacing, those under, notes Trilled by the redbreast, when autumnal leaves Are thin upon the bough. Mine, only mine, 35 The pleasure was, and no one heard the praise, Checked, in the moment of its issue, checked And reprehended, by a fancied blush From the pure qualities that called it forth. Thus Virtue lives debarred from Virtue’s meed; 40 Thus, Lady, is retiredness a veil That, while it only spreads a softening charm O’er features looked at by discerning eyes, Hides half their beauty from the common gaze; And thus,[14] even on the exposed and breezy hill 45 Of lofty station, female goodness walks, When side by side with lunar gentleness, As in a cloister. Yet the grateful Poor (Such the immunities of low estate, Plain Nature’s enviable privilege, 50 Her sacred recompense for many wants) Open their hearts before Thee, pouring out All that they think and feel, with tears of joy; And benedictions not unheard in heaven: And friend in the ear of friend, where speech is free 55 To follow truth, is eloquent as they. Then let the Book receive in these prompt lines A just memorial; and thine eyes consent To read that they, who mark thy course, behold A life declining with the golden light 60 Of summer, in the season of sere leaves;[15] See cheerfulness undamped by stealing Time; See studied kindness flow with easy stream, Illustrated with inborn courtesy; And an habitual disregard of self 65 Balanced by vigilance for others’ weal. And shall the Verse not tell of lighter gifts With these ennobling attributes conjoined And blended, in peculiar harmony, By Youth’s surviving spirit? What agile grace! 70 A nymph-like liberty, in nymph-like form, Beheld with wonder; whether floor or path Thou tread; or sweep--borne on the managed steed--[16] Fleet as the shadows, over down or field, Driven by strong winds at play among the clouds. 75 Yet one word more--one farewell word--a wish Which came, but it has passed into a prayer-- That, as thy sun in brightness is declining, So--at an hour yet distant for _their_ sakes Whose tender love, here faltering on the way 80 Of a diviner love, will be forgiven-- So may it set in peace, to rise again For everlasting glory won by faith. [11] 1837. Countess of ---- 1835. [12] The Lowther stream passes the Castle, and joins the Eamont below Brougham Hall, near Penrith.--ED. [13] 1837. Towers, and stately Groves, Bear witness for me; thou, too, Mountain-stream! 1835. [14] When hence … C.