The Baron's Yule Feast

TO

THE COUNTESS OF BLESSINGTON.




Lady, receive a tributary lay

From one who cringeth not to titled state

Conventional, and lacketh will to prate

Of comeliness—though thine, to which did pay

The haughty Childe his tuneful homage, may

No minstrel deem a harp-theme derogate.

I reckon thee among the truly great

And fair, because with genius thou dost sway

The thought of thousands, while thy noble heart

With pity glows for Suffering, and with zeal

Cordial relief and solace to impart.

Thou didst, while I rehearsed Toil's wrongs, reveal

Such yearnings! Plead! let England hear thee plead

With eloquent tongue,—that Toil from wrong be freed!