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.