Millwater Poem by Maria Frances Cecilia Cowper

Lady of the Garden, no
Fairer spot than this can be,
Proud with Summer's bravest show,
Sweet to smell and fair to see.

Lady of the Garden, we
Poor town-dwellers, for a while
From the noise and dirt set free,
Thank you for your garden's smile ;

Thank you for a happy day,
And your garden's welcoming,
Fountains lazily at play.
Waters ever murmuring.

Then reluctant go away
Richer for the fairy sight,
Peace and quiet of the day,
Country noises of the night.

Summer days too swiftly sped,
Summer nights that fairer grew —
All things pass and these are fled,
Lady of the Garden, too.