On the Love of Retirement / / Oh peace my repose long long have I wandered / And sought for that rest which may quiet my heart / But whilst I pursued life's checquered path onward / The phantom of bliss but excited the smart / The soft dreams of pleasure the prospect may heighten / The cup they will gild but the poisen infuse / Alas the false sleep e're long shall awaken / When stripped of its magic twill cease to amuse / Thy waves may roll on tempestuous and stormy / Secure in the haven they rage I defy / No thought save of pity shall ever come from me / Compassion alone shall e'er steal a sigh / What thanks then to GOD to be snatched from the billow / With which passion and pleasure deluge the soul / To discover a haven of bliss 'mid the shallows / Each want to relieve each grief to console / Adieu then O world farewell to thy pleasures / No never again shall I mix in thy rounds / Too long had thy follies held me in fetters / Reflection surprises remembrance confounds / / Worked by Ellen Leonard at the Academy of St. Vincent of Paul / Savannah Sept 12th 1846

Maker

Leonard, Ellen

Date made

1846

Origin

Savannah, GA US

In Bolton & Co.

No

Foundation Cloth

Silk

Embroidery Thread

Silk

Predominent Motif

1 alphabet: 26 letters. Prayer stitched in center of sampler with a small flower border all four sides.

Inscription

On the Love of Retirement / / Oh peace my repose long long have I wandered / And sought for that rest which may quiet my heart / But whilst I pursued life's checquered path onward / The phantom of bliss but excited the smart / The soft dreams of pleasure the prospect may heighten / The cup they will gild but the poisen infuse / Alas the false sleep e're long shall awaken / When stripped of its magic twill cease to amuse / Thy waves may roll on tempestuous and stormy / Secure in the haven they rage I defy / No thought save of pity shall ever come from me / Compassion alone shall e'er steal a sigh / What thanks then to GOD to be snatched from the billow / With which passion and pleasure deluge the soul / To discover a haven of bliss 'mid the shallows / Each want to relieve each grief to console / Adieu then O world farewell to thy pleasures / No never again shall I mix in thy rounds / Too long had thy follies held me in fetters / Reflection surprises remembrance confounds / / Worked by Ellen Leonard at the Academy of St. Vincent of Paul / Savannah Sept 12th 1846

Length Without Frame

25"

Width Without Frame

19 1/2"

Historical Owner

Made by a student at St. Vincent's Academy

Owner

St. Vincent's Academy, Savannah, GA

Owner Private

St. Vincent's Academy

Name of School

Academy of St. Vincent of Paul, Savannah, GA