Fragrant the Rose is but it fades in time / The Violet's sweet, but quickly past its prime. / White lillies hang their heads and soon decay, / And whiter snow in minutes melts away. / Such and so withering are our early joys, / Which time or sickness speedily destroys. / Elizabeth / Megson / Work / done in / the 12th / Year of her / Age 1812 //

Maker

Megson, Elizabeth (age 12)

Date made

1812

Origin

England

Stitches

Cross, Satin, Stem,

In Bolton & Co.

No

Foundation Cloth

Linen

Embroidery Thread

Silk

Predominent Motif

2 alphabets: both with 26 letters. Numbers 1-9. Two wide cross bands with flowers. Motifs including two thistles, other large and small flowers, a peacock and other large and small birds, a horse, two lions, trees, etc. Reversing arcaded border all four sides.

Inscription

Fragrant the Rose is but it fades in time / The Violet's sweet, but quickly past its prime. / White lillies hang their heads and soon decay, / And whiter snow in minutes melts away. / Such and so withering are our early joys, / Which time or sickness speedily destroys. / Elizabeth / Megson / Work / done in / the 12th / Year of her / Age 1812 //

Length Without Frame

181/4"

Length With Frame

20 1/4"

Width Without Frame

11"

Wdith With Frame

13"

Historical Owner

#1960.9.65 Gift of Mrs. James W. Packard (Elizabeth Gillmer, class of 1894)

Owner

Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Owner Private

Vassar College Loeb Art Center