J.M.W. Turner: Sketchbooks, Drawings and Watercolours

Beside the masters desk he trembling stands
But not with fear of smarting birchen brands
But views his writing fearful he may lose
The weekly prize whence all his joy accrus
The stimulus of all pride to some is given
But here share Mammon and appearing even
Yet small beginnings
He Builds his mansion but fretfull p[ride]
To which on and his [t]oil provide
he bore the com[mand?] of[?futurity] pride
Seizes the collar right contrasted grows
and multiply the his continuing woes
Like the same pain ... plain
Slugish behold its silver to the main
mid reeds and swamp its damp exhales
with dazzling vapour nor cheer the gli[ttering?] sails
Let other strands that [?futurity] e[e]n pours
Hea[l]th and commercial vigor on their shores