To My Sister Mary

Sister, accept these lays; as yet I ween
No lay but mine has opened with thy name,
I would I were a bard of mightier fame,
Then would this tribute of more price have been,
And thou hadst worn a costlier pledge, in sign
Of my deep love! My name is all unknown,
And, daring not to venture forth alone,
It fondly seeks companionship of thine;
And thou dost love me more than to believe
Thy brother's song can furnish shame to thee;
Critics! be your dispraise from harshness free,
And scornful gibe, nor give her cause to grieve,
For, if ye sternly say I cannot sing,
My sister's name is on a shamed thing!