To Mrs. Newans

You say 'tis hard to copy well,
Where nature does herself excel.
Allowed—yet still let me advise:
Near as you can, to nature rise;
Nor time, nor colours will be lost;
The draught will more than pay the cost.
Then dare to draw that angel face;
The pencil may the features trace;
And, should her air thy art defeat,
Add wings, the piece will be complete.
Mary Barber (1685-1757)