Classic Poem

Dame nature, one delightful day,
Cried: " Bring to me my choicest clay;
I'll make a maid to suit myself,
In spite of Fate, the ugly elf. "
So grew the maid, and all the while
Dame Nature worked she wore a smile.
" Not very large, nor very tall,
The rarest things are often small.
Light, supple, strong, my maid shall be —
Swift as a Dian on the lea.
I'll give her just a winsome face,
Wearing a touch of old-time grace;
A forehead wide and fair to view,
Thin nostrils, telling blood that's blue;
Firm, gentle mouth, eyes keen and kind,
Lamps fit to light a lovely mind. "
Then Nature said: " If it's no sin,
I will show I can make a chin. "
She turned it full and strong and round,
And, lo! the face was fitly bound;
Then crowned the whole with dark brown hair,
And viewed her maiden, standing there.

" Now you must be a new example
Among my models, fair and ample;
You shall delight in country lanes,
Where move the fragrant, loaded wains;
Yet all the more shall you be fit
To charm the town with grace and wit,
To cheer the weak, to tame the strong,
Or melt them all with smile and song.
But ever shall your heart be true
To the green meadows tipped with dew.
You shall the highest prize in books
The mirrored truth of Nature's looks,
And children in your face shall view
Proof of a comrade blithe and true.
And more, I know my girl shall be
A thrifty type of housewifery,
A master hand in every part,
Lifting up drudgery to art. "
So Nature spoke, and passed from view;
The maiden wondered where she flew.
But evermore between the twain
The bond of love did wax amain;
Oft did the maiden list to hear
Some whispered hint of Nature near;
While Nature touched to lovelier grace
The charm of mind and form and face.