Memoirs of Anne C. L. Botta/On receiving a picture of an Italian Countess

by Anne Lynch Botta

          Oh lovely semblance of a lovelier face!
             Upon thy classic contour as I gaze,
          My eager thought flies through dividing space;
             And to the living picture tribute pays.

          I see that brow with thought and goodness crowned,
             I see those eyes with deep affection shine;
          I hear the language from those sweet lips sound,
             By poets made immortal and divine.

          I would that I might follow my free thought,
             And see this gentle stranger face to face;
          For such fair spirits I have ever sought,
             And such would ever hold in my embrace.