by George Richardson.
Originally published in Bradshaw's Manchester Journal (Bradshaw & Blacklock) vol.1 #23 (02 Oct 1841).
Fair maid of Diss! with dark brown hair,
That o'er a stainless bosom streams,
And pensive eyes, which touch the soul,
And win the heart with gentle gleams;
Oh, peerless maid, though lovers false
May wound thy breast with guileful kiss,
Let moral worth and virtue rare
Adorn thee still, sweet maid of Diss!
Fair maid of Diss! from whose dear face
The mind's emotion calmly beams,
And modest guise, with comely pride,
The nobler graces well beseems;
May radiant peace and lasting joy
Bestrew as flowers thy path of bliss,
And pure requitted love be thine—
For ever thine, fair maid of Diss!
Farewell, sweet maid! 'tis fate's decree
That thou must guit our much lov'd shore;
Fond memory will picture still
Thine image, though we meet no more;
And Hope and Love will fondly wake
To wish thee happy years of bliss—
Still happier if connubial joys
Should bless thee, graceful maid of Diss!