Poems (Rice)/On receiving the Carte-de-visite of a Friend

by Maria Theresa Rice

ON RECEIVING THE CARTE-DE-VISITE OF A FRIEND.

IT is perfect, every line,
 The form, the dress, the features too;
It seems, beloved, to me divine—
 This picture which the sunlight drew;
The attitude so full of grace,
 The dauntless military air,
The bold, serene, expressive face;
 The godlike only such can wear.

If but the muses now would come,
 With all their gifts my soul imbue,
I'd take my lyre and shrine in song,
 Or shadow forth thine image too;
Thy tenderness, thy power, combined
 Is visible in every shade;
The radiance, the undefined,
 E'en inspiration must evade.

Of life so full, a thing of art
 It hardly seems while I behold;
To me it ever will impart
 A mystic influence untold;
And were my admiration less,
 Aye, less sincere than it-is now,
I could not all my joy suppress
 While gazing on thy form and brow.

A deeper charm surrounding all,
 Surpassing yet the painter's art;
Henceforth an idol, to recall
 The pure emotions of my heart;
A thousand thanks for this, kind friend;
 My album now, the gem shall grace;
A hero crowned, if such should send,
 I'd not remove to give it place.