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Alfred Austin - Impromptu: To Frances Garnet Wolseley
Work rating: Low

Little maiden just beginning
 To be comely, arch, and winning,
 In whose form I catch the traces
 Of your mother`s gifts and graces,
 And around whose head the glory
 Of your father`s growing story,
 O`er whose cradle, fortune—guided,
 Mars and Venus both presided,
 May your fuller years inherit
 Female charm and manly merit,
 So that all may know who girt you
 With vivacity and virtue,
 Whence you had the luck to borrow
 Pensive mien without its sorrow,
 Dignity devoid of coldness,
 Sprightliness without its boldness,
 Raillery untipped by malice,
 Playful wit and kindly sallies,
 Eloquence averse from railing,
 Each good point without its failing.
 And when, little bud, you flower
 Into maidenhood and power,
 Fate no fainter heart allot you
 Than the brave one that begot you,
 So that you a race continue
 Worthy of the blood within you,
 Handing down the gifts you bring them,
 With a better bard to sing them.
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