The Boarding School; Lessons of a Preceptress to Her Pupils / Consisting of Information, Instruction and Advice, Calculated to Improve the Manners and Form the Character of Young Ladies. To Which Is Added, a Collection of Letters, Written by the Pupils to Their Instructress, Their Friends, and Each Other.

by Hannah Webster Foster

JULIA GREENFIELD.

To Miss LAURA GUILFORD.

Boston.

MY DEAR LAURA,

Rambling in the garden, I have picked a nosegay, which I transmit to you as a token of my remembrance. Though the poetical bagatelle which accompanies it, is not equal to the elegance of the subject; yet I confide in your candor to excuse its futility, and give a favorable interpretation to its design.

Laura, this little gift approve,

Pluck’d by the hand of cordial love!

With nicest care the wreath I’ve dress’d,

Fit to adorn your friendly breast.

The rose and lily are combin’d,