TO S —— M ——.

Never poet

From Musaeus down,

Crowned with rose, or myrtle-wreath, or laurel,

Had of daintier hand

Dearer trophy!

Therefore ( know it,

Castaly! and, Daphne's lover, quarrel! )

I for crown

Flout the bay and wear thy pansy-band,

Mistress Sophie.

As these petals

Die not,

So the thought that settles

Softly in the purple petals

Fly not!

Half a memory, which a world of men

Can buy not,—

Half a prayer, that till we meet again

Thou sigh not!