New Zealand Minstrelsy

An Acrostic

An Acrostic.

On a Pupil about nine years of age, written while hearing her lesson—
Rosebank School.

Grace and beauty here combine,
Richer than the rose new blown;
Am’rous by her charms divine;
Can I generous love disown,
Ever wishing she were mine.

Careful Heaven! her preserve,
Unknown to love, to careful duty;
Let not youth to folly swerve,
Let not pride corrode her beauty,
Ever shall this heart incline,
Ne’er but to wish that she were mine.