Sonnet to a Young Lady

Miss Porden

Miss Brown

On her presenting me with a beautiful copy of the Pleasures of Memory

Yes dearest maid, to thee I owe
 This sweet companion of my leisure,
To me its numbers ever flow,
 A pensive source of mental pleasure

Mayst thou fair maid be ever blest,
 In mem’ry’s sweetest, choicest measures,
(In this is every wish expressed,
 For this includes all other pleasures.)

Thrice happy those whose mental eyes,
 Behold her mirror, pure, transparent,
Without one lurking stain of vice
 Upon its polished face apparent.

Oh mayst thou e’er in such a mirror find
Thy perfect form the image of thy mind.

Mnemosyneia