Portuguese Bird Sampler

Cross stitch pattern from Barbara Ana Designs. The sampler features a couple, in period costumes, riding towards each other. The lady is elegantly riding aside, in her long dress. They are both holding a flower in their hand. Central in the motif is a large bird, perched in a tree with large blue and gold dotted flowers. The bird too holds a flower in its beak. Small fruit, or possibly olives,hang in the background, a vision of abundance and nature's generosity. Below the main cross stitch motif is a verse from a poem dedicated to Friendship and Love that reads: "Tell me ye knowing and discerning few Where I may find a friend both firm and true Who dares stand by me when in deep distress And then his love and friendship most express". Separated by floral borders and chain like patterns, there is a secondary bird and flower design with the date 1833 as well as an alphabet. Borders of acorn, surround the sampler. Stitch count 275 x 335. Stitched on #8021 Newcastle Linen white