THEY tell me, lady, that to-day <br />On that unknown Australian strand - <br />Some time ago, so far away - <br />Another lady joined the band. <br />She joined the company of those <br />Lovelily dowered, nobly planned, <br />Who, smiling, still forgive their foes <br />And keep their friends in close command. <br /> <br />She, lady, as I learn, was one <br />Among the many rarely good; <br />And destined still to be a sun <br />Through every dark and rainy mood:- <br />She, as they told me, far had come, <br />By sea and land, o'er many a rood:- <br />Admired by all, beloved by some, <br />She was yourself, I understood. <br /> <br />But, compliment apart and free <br />From all constraint of verses, may <br />Goodness and honour, grace and glee, <br />Attend you ever on your way - <br />Up to the measure of your will, <br />Beyond all power of mine to say - <br />As she and I desire you still, <br />Miss Cornish, on your natal day.<br /><br />Robert Louis Stevenson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-miss-cornish/
