August 1816 / / Learning improves what nature gives / Virtue from wisdom strength receives. / But vice will slain the noblest race / And all kind natures works deface / / How blest the maid who circling years improve / Her god the object of her warmest love / Whose useful hours successive as they glide / The book the needle and the pen divide.

Maker

Eage(r)?, Mary

Date made

1816

Origin

US

In Bolton & Co.

No

Foundation Cloth

Linen

Embroidery Thread

Silk

Predominent Motif

3 alphabets: uppercase script missing J. Numbers 1-11. Various stitched lines and three scroll cross bands. All stitched in a saw tooth central square. Flower inner border with a saw tooth outer border all four sides.

Inscription

August 1816 / / Learning improves what nature gives / Virtue from wisdom strength receives. / But vice will slain the noblest race / And all kind natures works deface / / How blest the maid who circling years improve / Her god the object of her warmest love / Whose useful hours successive as they glide / The book the needle and the pen divide.

Owner

Thayer Memorial Library, Lancaster, MA

Owner Private

Thayer Memorial Library