__________
LINES,
Occasioned by viewing the portrait of Mrs. Graham, prefixed to the
first edition of her memoir. By the late Mrs. Margaret Brown,
daughter of Rev. Dr. John Mason.
While in this faded form I trace
The features which I loved so well,
Remembrance brings each mental grace
Within its hallowed shrine to dwell.
For I have seen that darkened eye
In all the fire of genius roll,
With eagle-gaze explore the sky,
Or with a keener glance descry
The secret workings of the soul.
And I have seen this pallid cheek
Suffused with feeling's richest glow;
And virtue's brightest halo deck
With sacred charms these locks of snow.
And on these lips in silence closed,
With rapt attention oft I hung,
And heard those wondrous truths disclosed
Which sages taught or seraphs sung.
And I have known this withered hand
Extended wide the poor to bless;
And this contracted breast expand
With generous schemes to aid distress.
And now, though far removed from earth
And every scene of mortal pain,
This dear memorial of her worth
Shall many a drooping heart sustain.
Still shall it dry the widow's tear,
The hapless orphan's want supply,
Guide to a blessed asylum here,
And point to happier realms on high.
My father's friend — how poor the praise,
By his unworthy offspring given,
Who thus records, in humble lays,
What angels registered in heaven.
FRANKFORT, Kentucky, August, 1816.
One hundred dollars was paid by John W. Hamersley, Esq. of New York, towards perpetuating this volume.