Antique Sampler, 1840, 'What is Time?' by Rebecca Thomas

Dimensions

22ins by 14.5ins wide

Circa Date

Victorian, dated 1840

Description - ID#20765

1840 Sampler by Rebecca Thomas. Framed in an old wood frame with gilt slip and glass. Mounted to conservator standards on acid free card with chipboard backing. The sampler is worked in a silk-like thread on linen ground, in cross stitch throughout. Meandering floral border. Colours greens, black, browns and cream. Verse entitled 'WHAT IS TIME?' reads 'I ask'd an aged man, a man of cares,>Wrinkled, and curv'd, and white with hoary hairs:>"Time is the warp of life," he said; "O tell>The young, the fair, the gay, to weave it well!">I ask'd the ancient, venerable dead,>Sages who wrote, and warriors who bled:>From the cold grave a hollow murmur flow'd,>"Time sow'd the seed we reap in this abode!">I ask'd a dying sinner, ere the stroke>Of ruthless death life's golden bowl had broke:>I ask'd him, What is time? - "Time!" he replied, - >"I've lost it; ah! The treasure!" and he died.>I ask'd the golden sun and silver spheres,>Those bright chronometers of days and years;>They answered, "Time is but a meteor's glare,">And bade me "for Eternity prepare.">I ask'd the Seasons in their annual round,>Which beautify or desolate the ground;>And they replied, (no oracle more wise,)>"'Tis Folly's blank and Wisdom's highest prize!">I ask'd a spirit lost: but, oh the shriek>That pierced my soul! I shudder while I speak;>It cried, "A particle! A speck! A mite> Of endless years, duration infinite!">Of things inanimate, my dial I> Consulted, and it made me this reply:> "Time is the present hour - the past is fled:> Live! Live to-day, to-morrow never yet>On any human being rose or set."> I ask'd old father Time himself at last;>But in a moment he flew swiftly past;> His chariot was a cloud. The viewless wind> His noiseless steeds, which left no trace behind.> I ask'd the mighty Angel, who shall stand> One foot on sea and one on solid land;> He lifted up his hands to heaven, and swore> By Him that lives for ever - "Time shall be no more."'. Signed and dated 'Rebecca Thomas 1840'.