I, whose pretty Voice you hear, Lady (you will think it queer), Have a Mother, once a Statue, I, thus boldly looking at you, Do the name of Paphus bear, 5 Fam’d Pygmalion’s Son and Heir, By that wondrous marble wife That from Venus took her life. Cupid’s Nephew then am I, Nor unskill’d his darts to ply; 10 But from Him I crav’d no warrant, Coming thus to seek my Parent; Not equipp’d with bow and quiver Her by menace to deliver, But resolv’d with filial care 15 Her captivity to share. Hence, while on your toilet, She Is doom’d a Pincushion to be, By her side I’ll take my place, As a humble Needle-case; 20 Furnish’d too with dainty thread, For a Sempstress thorough-bred. Then let both be kindly treated, Till the Term, for which She’s fated Durance to sustain, be over; 25 So will I ensure a Lover Lady! to your heart’s content; But on harshness are you bent Bitterly shall you repent, When to Cyprus back I go 30 And take up my Uncle’s bow. _Composed_, and in part transcribed, for Fanny Barlow, by her affectionate Friend WM. WORDSWORTH. RYDAL MOUNT, _Shortest Day, 1826_. 1827 TO MY NIECE DORA BY DOROTHY WORDSWORTH The following lines were written in Dora Wordsworth’s “Album,” in which Sir Walter Scott also wrote some verses.--ED. Confiding hopes of youthful hearts, And each bright visionary scheme, Shall here remain in vivid hues The hues of a celestial dream. The farewell of the laurelled Knight 5 Traced by a brave but tremulous hand, Pledge of his truth and loyalty Thro’ changeful years, unchanged shall stand. But why should I inscribe my name, No Poet I--no longer young? 10 The ambition of a loving heart Makes garrulous the tongue. Memorials of thy aged Friend Dora thou dost not need; And when the cold earth covers her 15 No flattery shall she heed. Yet still a lurking wish prevails That when from life we all have passed The friends who loved thy Father’s name On her’s a thought may cast. 20 DOROTHY WORDSWORTH. _January 1827._ 1829 “MY LORD AND LADY DARLINGTON”