Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
Poems of Home: IV. Youth“Sweet stream that winds”
William Cowper (1731–1800)S
Apt emblem of a virtuous maid,—
Silent and chaste she steals along,
Far from the world’s gay, busy throng;
With gentle yet prevailing force,
Intent upon her destined course;
Graceful and useful all she does,
Blessing and blest where’er she goes;
Pure-bosomed as that watery glass,
And Heaven reflected in her face.