"Here the needle plies its busy task;

The pattern grows, the well-depicted flower,

Wrought patiently into the snowy lawn,

Unfolds its bosom; buds, and leaves, and sprigs,

And curling tendrils, gracefully dispos'd,

Follow the nimble fingers of the fair—

A wreath that cannot fade, of flowers that blow

With most success when all besides decay."[[1091]]

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE LACE MANUFACTURERS OF ENGLAND.