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

Victorian, dated 1840. 22ins by 14.5ins wide. 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'.

CONDITION: Generally Good. A few small holes.

Some loss of ground to the bottom left corner.

 

Uniform age darkening of the ground to the extreme edges. A couple of pale stain specks.

No stitch losses. Colours are all good and strong with no noticeable fading. No colour run.

Slightly uneven stretching.

Frame in very good condition, ready to hang.

Go to the Top of this page