Part 1 — TO A YOUNG LADY
Reading edition
Sweet stream, that winds through yonder glade, Apt emblem of a virtuous maid!— Silent and chaste she steals along, Far from the world's gay busy throng: With gentle yet prevailing force, Intent upon her destined course; Graceful and useful all she does, Blessing and blest where'er she goes; Pure-bosomed as that watery glass, And Heaven reflected in her face!
William Cowper [1731-1800]