A Comparison Addressed to a Young Lady

Princess out of School. Edward Robert Hughes.

 

A Comparison Addressed to a Young Lady

William Cowper, 1875

 

Sweet stream that winds through yonder glade,

Apt emblem of a virtuous maid—

Silent and chaste she steals along,

Far from the world’s gay, busy throng;

With gentle yet prevailing force

Intent upon her destined course;

Graceful and useful all she does,

Blessing and bless’d where’er she goes,

Pure-bosomed as that wat’ry glass,

And Heav’n reflected in her face.