Classic Poem

For courtesies and kindnesses
And sundry obligations
Of gentle looks and pleasant words
And frank communications, —
For service to my Album done
With pen and eke with pencil
Some fit return I long to make
By means of each utensil.

Within this book — (had I the skill,
I'd make no vain resistance)
Pleased would I give some fruit or flower
A long and bright existence!
Or paint, perchance, a worthier task,
In colours richly glowing,
That sister pair of blossoms fair
To whom my thanks are owing!

A worthier task! — but mine alas!
A hand nor strong nor steady;
And better painters than myself
Have done that work already.
The best of wishes, gentle friends!
Are all I have to offer, —
O! for Urganda's magic power!
'Twere then a noble proffer.

A friend of yours and mine maintains
Howe'er the point we carry,
Our sexes' earnest wish and dream
Is, first and last, to marry!
Be this the truth, or slander base,
Whate'er the Fates may send you,
In single or in wedded life
Good luck, dear Maids, attend you!

May Luisita's speaking eyes
Ne'er tell of long-felt sadness,
Ne'er overflow except with tears
Of tenderest, holiest gladness!
And since her charms, her poet swears,
To Earth than Heaven are nearer
For this ev'n, to an earthly Lord
May she but prove the dearer!

For Emma — (not e'en pictured babes
More purity and sweetness!)
Hers be the joys of pensive souls
In all their blessed completeness!
Hers be the rosy thoughts of youth
Unmixed with thorns of sorrow,
The fairy Castles in the air
Renewed on every morrow!

May each succeeding Fancy prove
A bright and blithe new comer,
And when her buoyant Spring of life
Is changed to richest Summer
And maiden liberty resigned
For love and kind protection,
O! may she yearly more and more
Rejoice in that election!