Far less did rules prescribed by passive taste
Or barren, intermeddling subtleties,
Perplex her mind; but wise as women are
When genial circumstance hath favoured them,
She welcomed what was given, and craved no more,
Whate'er the scene presented to her view.
That was the best, to that she was attuned
By her benign simplicity of life,
... God delights
In such a being; for her common thoughts
Are piety, her life is gratitude.

_The Prelude._


Sweet girl, a very shower
Of beauty is thy earthly dower!...
Never saw I mien, or face,
In which more plainly I could trace
Benignity and homebred sense
Ripening in perfect innocence.
* * * * *
A face with gladness overspread!
Soft smiles, by human kindness bred!
And seemliness complete, that sways
Thy courtesies, about three plays.

_To A Highland Girl._