Palmer, Samuel (1805 – 1881) – ‘Christmas’ or ‘Folding the Last Sheep’ (L.4).

'Christmas' or 'Folding the Last Sheep' (L.4). Etching. 1850. State IV of V. As published in A. H. Palmer, 'Samuel Palmer: A Memoir' (1882). Provenance: gift from A. H. Palmer, the artist's son, to Joseph Palmer (1853-1931). This print illustrates John Codrington Bampfylde's sonnet 'Christmas'.... 'With footstep slow, in furry pall clad / His brows enwreath'd with holly never-sear, / Old Christmas comes, to close the waned year; / And ay the Shepherd's heart to make right glad; / Who, when his teeming flocks are homeward had, / To blazing hearth repairs, and nut-brown beer, / And views, well-pleas'd, the ruddy prattlers dear / Hug the grey mongrel; meanwhile maid and lad / Squabble for roasted crabs. - Thee, Sire, we hail, / Whether thine aged limbs thou dost enshroud, / In vest of snowy white, and hoary veil, / Or wrap'st thy visage in a sable cloud; Thee we proclaim with mirth and cheer, nor fail / To greet thee well with many a carol loud'. 4x3 inches.