Casgliadau Arlein

WOOLEN CANVAS, embroidered with coloured silks in cross stitch. At the top are nine horizontal rows, separated by straight and zig-zag stripes, filled with alphabets, in capitals and small letters, and numerals. Below is the following poem:

"The sluggard.

'Tis the voice of a sluggard I heard him complain 'You have wak'd me too soon, I must slumber again' As the door on its hinges, so he on his bed Turns his sides and his shoulders, and his heavy head. 'A little more sleep and a little more slumber,' Thus he wastes half his days, and his hours without number And when he gets up, he sits folding his hands, Or walks about sauntring or trifling he stands. I pass'd by his garden, and saw the wild Brier, The thorn and the thistle grew broader and higher The clothes that hang on him are turning to rags And his money still wastes till he starves or he begs, I made him a visit, still hoping to find He had took better care of improving his mind; He told me his dreams, talk'd of eating and drinking, But he scarce reads his Bible, and never loves thinking. Said I then to my heart, 'Here's a lesson for me, That man's but a picture of what I might be, But thanks to my friends for their care in my breeding, Who taught me betimes to love working and reading'."

There is a narrow geometric border. Worked by Ann Witford. Late 18th century. From Nant-y-glo, Monmouthshire..

Note. See also item No: 35.346/1 by same worker.

Source: Guide to the Collection of Samplers & Embroideries (Cardiff: National Museum of Wales, 1939) by F.G. Payne.