1991.1016.167.2

Mrs Mary Grace Walker (author)

Sonnet written by Mrs Mary Grace Walker entitled : Reply to Shakespeare's Sonnet CX. Found inserted in the book, Seven Sonnets and a Psalm of Montreal by Butler, Samuel, when acquired by the museum, shelf L10 (B) . Part of the Emery Walker Library.

London

Arts & Crafts

Sonnet in the handwriting and bearing the signature of Mary Grace Walker. Problem [7]5 Reply to Shakespeare’s Sonnet CX. deem Dost think to make an end of wandering Sheltered within the haven of my breast -As a fair ship, after long voyaging Lies snug in harbour – who art self-confest Traitor, from old affections gone astray, Faithless alike unto thyself and friend? How prove that thou hast made thy last essay? How demonstrate thy love shall have no end? Can this St Martin’s summer[i] of thy heart Console me for its spring-tide spent afar, base Trading thy wares in every foreign mart? Justice arraigns thee; proven at her bar Is thine offence: yet thou art placed above All need of pardon, being absolved by Love! Mary Grace Walker [Written by Mary Grace Walker in pencil] Such as it is I’m not ashamed of it, but I’ve been fairly beaten by the Prize Sonnet and some of the others [Footnote: [i]St Martin’s summer is an alternative to the now more common phrase Indian summer. CAW]