Hail to thy pencil! well its glowing art <br />Has traced those features painted on my heart; <br />Now, though in distant scenes she soon will rove, <br />Still here I behold the friend I love-- <br />Still see that smile, "endearing, artless, kind," <br />The eye's mild beam that speaks the candid mind, <br />Which, sportive oft, yet fearful to offend, <br />By humour charms, but never wounds a friend. <br /> <br />But in my breast contending feelings rise, <br />While this loved semblance fascinates my eyes; <br /> <br />Now, pleased I mark the painter's skilful line, <br />And now, rejoice the skill I mark is thine: <br />And while I prize the gift by thee bestow'd, <br />My heart proclaims, I'm of the giver proud. <br />Thus pride and friendship war with equal strife, <br />And now the friend exults, and now the wife.<br /><br />Amelia Opie<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lines-written-in-1799/
