Sampler (When Adam Delved). 1992. Hand embroidery on linen. 20.5 x 16 in. (52.1 x 40.6 cm)

WHEN ADAM DELVED AND EVE SPAN, WHO WAS THEN THE GENTLEMAN

MY MOTHER BORE ME IN BONDAGE, IN BONDAGE MY MOTHER WAS BORN, . . . THE CHILDREN WITH WHOM I HAVE PLAYED, THE MEN AND WOMEN WITH WHOM I HAVE EATEN,

HAVE HAD MASTERS OVER THEM, HAVE BEEN UNDER THE LASH OF MASTERS, AND THOUGH GENTLE, HAVE SERVED CHURLS

—Patrick Pearse, ‘The Rebel’, 1916