The ‘Crochet-Worker.’
Suggested by Etty’s Picture in the Exhibition of the
Royal Academy, 1849.
See with what nimble ease her fingers ply1
The coloured threads, that deeper-coloured grow2
By contrast with the hook of ivory,3
And fingers pure as the transparent glow4
That tints the shell, or in the virgin rose5
‘ Blushes in praise of its own loveliness !’ 6
Looping and twisting, dropping with a close,7
In all the beautiful unconsciousness8
Of industry intent. Dear Beauty ! stay9
Thy busy fingers, and look up and bless10
Me with a smile ; from crochet-work I pray11
Spare me a glance ! Yet, no—I must confess12
Thou teachest much by silence. Happiness,13
I see, is occupation ; for thy face14
Is not a blank of pretty thoughtlessness,15
But redolent in innocence and grace.16
Grace to the gracious—goodness to the good !17
Rest in endurance—Hope, submission’s child !18
So God ordains ; and leaves, alas ! the rude19
To chafe in sorrow, by rebellion wild.20
I’ll not be jealous of thy web, dear maid !21
Cast on thy stitches fast and manifold ;22
Let thy mind struggle still in thought, unstayed,23
Unscathed by phantom tempters. I enfold24
Thy image to my dearest memory—25
A treasure of the beautiful within—26
To teach and mutely preach of industry,27
Saviour subordinate of man from sin !28