AN ARISTOCRAT.

Her fair companions she outshone, As this or that transcendent star Makes all its sister orbs look wan And dim and lustreless and far.

Her charm impressed the fleeting glance, But chiefly the reflective mind; A century's inheritance, By carefull'st nurture still refined.

Devotions, manners, hopes that were, Ideals high, traditions fine, Were felt to culminate in her, The efflorescence of her line.

What time and cost conspired to trace Her lineaments of perfect grace!