As some fair violet, loveliest of the glade, / Shed its mild fragrance on the lonely shade, / With draws its modest head from public sight / Nor courts the Sun nor seeks the glare of light. / So Woman born to dignify retreat, / Unknown to flourish and unseen be great. / Her passions all corrected or subdues, / But one the virtuous thirst of doing good, / This great ambition still she calls her own, / This best ambition makes her breast its throne. / Martha Wills Sargeant Aged 12 Boston 1800

Maker

Sargeant, Martha Wills (age 12)

Date made

1800

Origin

Boston, MA US

Stitches

Cross, Satin.

In Bolton & Co.

No

Foundation Cloth

Linen

Embroidery Thread

Silk

Predominent Motif

2 alphabets: no J's or U's. One ampersand. Numbers 1-15 and 16-21. Wide and narrow cross bands. Three flower tree motifs and a large saw tooth band at bottom. Two inner narrow borders and a reversing arcaded flower border all four sides.

Inscription

As some fair violet, loveliest of the glade, / Shed its mild fragrance on the lonely shade, / With draws its modest head from public sight / Nor courts the Sun nor seeks the glare of light. / So Woman born to dignify retreat, / Unknown to flourish and unseen be great. / Her passions all corrected or subdues, / But one the virtuous thirst of doing good, / This great ambition still she calls her own, / This best ambition makes her breast its throne. / Martha Wills Sargeant Aged 12 Boston 1800

Length Without Frame

20 1/2"

Width Without Frame

11 1/2"

Original Frame

Unframed

Historical Owner

#1950.530 Gift of Miss Leona Flanders

Owner

Historic New England, Haverhill, MA

Owner Private

Historic New England