"The Hindu Goddess Devi"

(included in Ladies Valentines, 1817)

Note: This valentine includes Cobbold's depiction of a Hindu Deity. This and a few other valentines from the album are examples of increased interest in Asian culture in England during the Georgian Era. This was a result of increasing trade with (and colonial efforts in) places like China and India that would continue for over the next 150 years. It is important to point out that the cultural exchange between Britain and India at this time was not "fair" in nature because Britain saw itself as the dominating nation and culture. Likewise, Cobbold likely would not have given much thought to whether her depiction of a different religion than hers was respectful by our modern standards.

The sanguine Hindu loves to see

Symbolic Forms of Deity

To these his Off’ring blindly pours,

And ev’ry attribute adores,

And thus he gives to sight and sense

The image of Benevolence:

Enthron’d upon the [L]ots fair,

Her bounteous Hands its Blossom’s bear,

They wave the dewy Flowrs, and thence

Bright Plenty’s Benisons dispense

In [cohowrees] that [f]an her Breast

Are gratitudes fond Pray’rs exprest,

While on her Temples Wisdom pours

From silver urns celestial show’rs.

Then pardon, Fair, if you discover

That your enthusiastic Lover.

Who sees such attributes in you,

Should with some Idol Worship sue;

Be yours with virtue’s holy [L]ight,

To guide his wandring steps aright,

And turn each pow’rful Predilection,

To pure and rational affection.