Classic Poem

The thoughtful reader here may see
A little world's epitome
In turning each successive folio;—
Names, drawings, music, poems, prose,
From kindred and from friends compose
This Album's multifarious olio.

Its owner, from her circle wide
Of friends, may here survey with pride
A cherish'd tributary Cento;
And when they're absent,—alter'd—dead—
Each contribution will be read
With double zest as a memento.

Here with a smile will she recall
The walk, the concert, or the ball,
Shared with the young and merry-hearted;—
And here, perchance, while brooding o'er
The song of one who sings no more,
A tear may drop for the departed.

Yet—daughter dear! my heart foretells
That thou wilt quit all other spells,
Of friends, however loved,—and rather
Hang o'er the page that thus records,
With feelings ill express'd by words,
The fervent blessing of a Father!