Classic Poem

Neptune, Esq.,
Dear S IR : —
Herewith I send
One copy, in cloth, of " The Collector's Friend, "
Which send back in your best skin, tooled to match,
With your accustomed neatness and dispatch.

Copies in this condition, you may know,
Are very scarce; in fact, sales-records show,
As doubtless you're informed — but I forgot
You've handled it before, this very lot.

Its rarity and worth I merely mention
To guarantee your personal attention,
Of which I beg the favour, and request
The forwarding to be your very best.

Morocco bound, this time; double Canary:
Flies watered; head-bands, champagne or a sherry;
Borders of flowers, Italian, not too plain;
And on the side a little London pane.

You will recall the artistic shores you bound —
And how your Latin style my client found,
Two years ago, most pleasing; hence, 't is well,
Perhaps, to work in more of French dentelles .

The lot, while quite complete, unfoxed, untorn,
You'll notice seems a very little worn;
But once, I'm sure, your skilful hands gone through,
The volume can be catalogued " as new. "

Beware of trimming, though the margin's wide;
The measures are on record. And, beside,
You need not gild the edges, smooth or rough;
The lot as offered is gilt-edged enough.

Last — for in shipment many things deface —
Make a neat, snug, brown Niger, pull-off case,
One of your famous make; box well, and send
Marked: Fragile, Use with Care: " Collector's Friend. "