William Syme Isabella Lillie / Mary Syme born March 28 1827 / David Syme born June 12 1829 / Janet Syme born October 4 1831 / John Lillie Syme born June 11 1834 / William Hadden Syme born April 11 1836 / James Syme born February 12 1839 / William Syme born July 13 1841 / Andrew Syme born September 29 1846 / They were dear dear to me,like the blossom of may / and I dreamed of enjoyment to be / but they faded more fast than the blossom could fade / and they are gone like the leaves of the tree / (Attached to the bottom): they were mine When the leaves of the forest were green / When the rose blossom hung on the tree / and dear dear to me Were the Joys that have been / and i dreamed of enjoyments to be / but thy faded more fast then athe blossom Could fade / no human invention could Save / and When the Green leaves of the forres decayed / the wind Strewed them Over their Grave.

Maker

Syme, Isabella Lillie

Date made

1851

Origin

Unknown

Stitches

Cross over 1, Cross over 2.

In Bolton & Co.

No

Foundation Cloth

Linen

Embroidery Thread

Silk

Predominent Motif

Family record lists the births of children. A two story house with smoke coming from the chimneys. Baskets of flowers, trees, motifs of strawberries, rabbits, cat, dog, birds facing away from each other. The poem at the bottom suggests that some or all of the children may not have survived childhood.

Inscription

William Syme Isabella Lillie / Mary Syme born March 28 1827 / David Syme born June 12 1829 / Janet Syme born October 4 1831 / John Lillie Syme born June 11 1834 / William Hadden Syme born April 11 1836 / James Syme born February 12 1839 / William Syme born July 13 1841 / Andrew Syme born September 29 1846 / They were dear dear to me,like the blossom of may / and I dreamed of enjoyment to be / but they faded more fast than the blossom could fade / and they are gone like the leaves of the tree / (Attached to the bottom): they were mine When the leaves of the forest were green / When the rose blossom hung on the tree / and dear dear to me Were the Joys that have been / and i dreamed of enjoyments to be / but thy faded more fast then athe blossom Could fade / no human invention could Save / and When the Green leaves of the forres decayed / the wind Strewed them Over their Grave.

Length Without Frame

19 3/4"

Width Without Frame

13"

Historical Owner

(pg. 61) Booklet available. Proceeds to Mission Hospice, San Mateo, CA

Owner

Marian Soss

Owner Private

Marian Soss