The ‘Crochet-Worker
.’
Suggested by Etty’s Picture in the Exhibition of the
Royal Academy, 1849
.
See with what nimble ease her fingers ply
The coloured threads, that deeper-coloured grow
By contrast with the hook of ivory,
And fingers pure as the transparent glow
That tints the shell, or in the virgin rose
‘ Blushes in praise of its own loveliness !’
Looping and twisting, dropping with a close,
In all the beautiful unconsciousness
Of industry intent. Dear Beauty ! stay
Thy busy fingers, and look up and bless
Me with a smile ; from crochet-work I pray
Spare me a glance ! Yet, no—I must confess
Thou teachest much by silence. Happiness,
I see, is occupation ; for thy face
Is not a blank of pretty thoughtlessness,
But redolent in innocence and grace.
Grace to the gracious—goodness to the good !
Rest in endurance—Hope, submission’s child !
So God ordains ; and leaves, alas ! the rude
To chafe in sorrow, by rebellion wild.
I’ll not be jealous of thy web, dear maid !
Cast on thy stitches fast and manifold ;
Let thy mind struggle still in thought, unstayed,
Unscathed by phantom tempters. I enfold
Thy image to my dearest memory—
A treasure of the beautiful within—
To teach and mutely preach of industry,
Saviour subordinate of man from sin !
George Sedgwick
.