3-052-813 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Vicar's Daughters, drawn by A. Hunt, 1880. 'I. One dull, foggy day in December, When biting and bleak was the air, I once lost my way, I remember, And paused in a quaint City square. Though lacking all splendour or gladness, The flavour of good long ago Clung close to the place in its sadness And grave-yard half covered with snow; While the black, puny branches, all leafless and bare, Seemed to add to the gloom of this dull City square! II. The railings were rusty and rimy, The church looked so mouldy and grim; The houses seemed haunted and grimy, The windows were gruesome and dim. The iron gate creaked on its hinges, The clock struck a querulous chime, As though it were feeling some twinges It had been forgotten by Time. But I opened the door, and the picture was fair, In the fine ancient church, in this sad City square! III. A fair little lass, holly-laden - With eyes of cerulean blue - Is helping a sweet dark-eyed maiden Twine ivy with laurel and yew; How busy the deft taper fingers! What taste and what art they display! How lovingly each of them lingers, Adjusting a leaf or a spray! - I close the door softly, I've no business there, And drift out in the fog of the grim City square'. J. Ashby-Sterry. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.