George Darley

Lenimina Laborum. 48. In an Album

On Receiving a Sketch in Pencil from the Owner.

One evening, from the dewy South,
The spirit of the Rainbow came.
And with her moist vermilion mouth
Close at my lattice, breathed my name:

"Either of these rich presents chuse,"
Methought I heard the Radiance say;
This magic pen or pencil vise
As deftly as thy talent may."

Both! both!—too covetous I cried—
The plume flew past me on the winds!
"Enough for him," the Sylph replied,
"Whoe'er that winged pencil finds!"

"To a fair earthly Sylph I'll give
This other—graphic pen divine!—
Think thyself happy to receive
One sketch by it for one by thine!"