On a Drawing by the Hon. Mrs Smith (Eliza Forrester)

When we behold a Landscape well designed,
Our praise at once we on the Work bestow;
We see the image of so just a Mind,
And 'tis the Merit, not the Man, we know.

But when we learn from where our Pleasure springs,
And whose the Skill that here the Proof has placed:
This to our Mind a double Pleasure brings,
For 'tis Affection looks as well as Taste.

They who have Wealth may hire an Artist's Hand.
And may the Gallery and the Hall supply;
But Love alone can Views like this command:
Affection gives what Wealth can never buy.

Pictures and Prints the Wealthy may obtain
And, as their Pleasure dictates, may remove;
But these fair Views for ever shall remain,
The rich Memorials of Taste and Love.

These flowing lines confess Eliza's Hand;
She formed the Wood, the Water, and the Sky;
For she can all the pleasing arts command
That soothe the Fancy and that charm the Eye.

All the fair Arts that give a Grace to Life
Are hers: she sings, she speaks, she moves with Grace;
Nor charms she less, the Mother and the Wife,
And still maintains the Virtues of her Race.

Happy the fair Possessor of that Skill--
When Life's Endowment, but not Life's Employ;
When used for Pleasure and resigned at Will,
The aid of Home-felt and domestic Joy!