Elizabeth Harding 1791

Cross stitch pattern from Hands Across the Sea Samplers. Reproduction of a piece stitched by Elizabeth Harding "in the 9 year of her age, March 1791." It includes two written passages. The first is based on the Biblical parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke, which begins "Christ's arms do still stand open to receive all weary prodigals." The second verse is a poem attributed to John Dryden, which begins "Fragrant the rose is but fades in time." The center of the design is a large brick house, which is surrounded by birds and animals, with a large castle-like bird feeder on one side and a fruit tree on the other. The bottom section where Elizabeth stitched her name is also full of flower, bird, and squirrel motifs. Stitch count 367w x 425h.