Classic Poem

Fair lady! this the pencil of Vandyke
Might well have painted: thine the English air,
Graceful yet earnest, that his portraits bear,
In that far troubled time, when sword and pike
Gleamed round the ancient halls and castles fair
That shrouded Albion's beauty: though, when need,
They too, though soft withal, would boldly dare,
Defend the leaguered breach, or charging steed,
Mount in their trampled parks. Far different scene
The bowers present before thee; yet serene
Though nowadays, if coming time impart
Our ancient troubles, well I ween thy life
Would not reproach thy lot and what thou art, —
A warrior's daughter and a statesman's wife.