Implored for verse, I send you what I can; But you are so exact a Frenchwoman, As I am told, Jemima, that I fear To wound with English your Parisian ear, And think I do your choice collection wrong With lines not written in the Frenchman's tongue. Had I a knowledge equal to my will, With airy _Chansons_ I your leaves would fill; With _Fabliaux_, that should emulate the vein Of sprightly Cresset, or of La Fontaine; Or _Scenes Comiques_, that should approach the air Of your own favourite--renowned Moliere. But at my suit the Muse of France looks sour, And strikes me dumb! Yet, what is in my power To testify respect for you, I pray, Take in plain English--our rough Enfield way. IN THE ALBUM OF MISS DAUBENY I Some poets by poetic law Have Beauties praised, they never saw; And sung of Kittys, and of Nancys, Whose charms but lived in their own fancies. So I, to keep my Muse a going, That willingly would still be doing, A Canzonet or two must try In praise of--_pretty_ Daubeny. II But whether she indeed be comely, Or only very good and homely, Of my own eyes I cannot say; I trust to Emma Isola. But sure I think her voice is tuneful, As smoothest birds that sing in June full; For else would strangely disagree The _flowing_ name of--Daubeny. III I hear that she a Book hath got-- As what young Damsel now hath not, In which they scribble favorite fancies, Copied from poems or romances? And prettiest draughts, of her design, About the curious Album shine; And therefore she shall have for me The style of--_tasteful_ Daubeny. IV Thus far I have taken on believing; But well I know without deceiving, That in her heart she keeps alive still Old school-day likings, which survive still In spite of absence--worldly coldness-- And thereon can my Muse take boldness To crown her other praises three With praise of--_friendly_ Daubeny. IN THE ALBUM OF MRS. JANE TOWERS (1828)