ON A SPRIG OF HEATH / / "The Heath of the Desert", I saw it in bloom / It spread its sweet fragrance like spice thro' the air. / But it blossomed unseen in the destlate gloom, / For nought but the wildfowl and reptile were there. / "The Heath of the Desert" I saw it again / Of all its rich perfume and beauty bereft / The wind of December howled over the plain. / And there was not a germ in the wilderness left. / "The Heath of the Desert" oh does it not say / The soul is accursed if it trust not in God. / Its pleasures shall perish, its glories decay, / The desert of death is its endless abode. / (At the bottom): Catherine Sophia Alison, August 14th, 18(6?)8. //

Maker

Allison, Catherine Sophia

Date made

18(6?)8

Origin

US

Stitches

Cross

In Bolton & Co.

No

Foundation Cloth

Linen

Embroidery Thread

Silk

Predominent Motif

2 alphabets: upper & lowercase both 26 letters. Poem in center of sampler with matching motifs of baskets, small trees, flowers all around. Row of acorn border across top and bottom. Small wave border all four sides.

Inscription

ON A SPRIG OF HEATH / / "The Heath of the Desert", I saw it in bloom / It spread its sweet fragrance like spice thro' the air. / But it blossomed unseen in the destlate gloom, / For nought but the wildfowl and reptile were there. / "The Heath of the Desert" I saw it again / Of all its rich perfume and beauty bereft / The wind of December howled over the plain. / And there was not a germ in the wilderness left. / "The Heath of the Desert" oh does it not say / The soul is accursed if it trust not in God. / Its pleasures shall perish, its glories decay, / The desert of death is its endless abode. / (At the bottom): Catherine Sophia Alison, August 14th, 18(6?)8. //

Length Without Frame

18"

Length With Frame

26"

Width Without Frame

12 3/4""

Wdith With Frame

20 1/4"

Original Frame

No

Owner

Honolulu Academy of Arts, Honolulu, HI

Owner Private

Honolulu Academy of Arts