388 PHCEBE ELLIOT. 



The eye would rest upon her, as on a rare exotic, 

 if perchance such should be found in the midst of 

 a dreary waste ; but, as a plant so placed, would 

 fade for the want of delicate nurture, so did this 

 sweet and sensitive flower, droop in the ungenial 

 atmosphere around her. I have heard many de- 

 scribe the cottage maiden. Tall and slight, her 

 dress of the simplest form, her brown hair braided 

 over her clear white brow, was gathered under a 

 small cap of the whitest materials. No ribbons 

 or ringlets were called into requisition to add to 

 that beauty, whose chief merit was derived from 

 its simplicity. On a summer's evening, she might 

 be seen quietly seated outside the cottage door, 

 her head bent over her work, and which was not 

 raised when the passer-by paused for a moment 

 to gaze on the graceful person before him. A 

 slight blush would tinge her cheek, while under- 

 going this silent tribute to her beauty. The gentle 

 girl was always ready to enliven her father with 

 her smiles ; and when he was attacked with the 

 gout, she ceased not to be his patient and atten- 

 tive nurse. Phcebe might have her faults, but we 

 must take her as she was 



A creature not too bright and good, 



For human nature's daily food, 



For transient sorrows, simple wiles, 



Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles. 



Unfortunately for her future happiness, she had 



