Lot 273
Franklin, Benjamin
Printed Books, Maps and Manuscripts
Auction: 11 July 2006 at 12:00 BST
Description
Ms verse to Sir Alexander and Lady Dick [of Prestonfield, Edinburgh] written at Christmas, after a visit to Prestonfield on his return with his son to America, October 1759, single leaf, approx 13cm wide by 19.5cm high, previous folds [with] To be included an autographed signed note from AP [Alexander Pringle of Whytbank] outlining the passage of the verse by Dr Franklin into his possession from his grandfather Sir Alexander Dick through his mother (2)
Footnote
Provenance: Originally in the collection of late Mrs. Alisa Joan Mary Dick-Cunyngham, Prestonfield, Edinburgh (1955). Recorded in Labaree, L (ed) The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, 1965, volume 8, pp.443-444.
Transcript:
Verses by Doctor Franklin to Sir Alexander and Lady Dick many years ago wrote at Coldstream on his return to England - October 1759
Joys of Prestonfield, Adieu!
Late found, soon lost, but still we'll view
The' engaging scene- oft to these eyes
Shall the pleasing vision rise!
Hearts that warm toward a friend,
Kindness and kindness without end,
Easy converse, sprightly wit
These we found in Dame and Knight.
Cheerful meals, balmy rest,
Beds that never buggs molest,
Neatness & sweetness all around
These at Prestonfield we found
Hear oh heaven a strangers prayer,
Bless the hospitable pair!
Bless their sweet Bairns & very soon
Give these a brother - those a son.