ToMissCruickshank

tomisscruickshank

averyyounglady

writtenontheblankleafofabook,presentedtoherbytheauthor.

beauteousrosebud,youngandgay,

bloominginthyearlymay,

nevermay'stthou,lovelyflower,

chillyshrinkinsleetyshower!

neverboreas'hoarypath,

nevereurus'pois'nousbreath,

neverbalefulstellarlights,

tainttheewithuntimelyblights!

never,neverreptilethief

riotonthyvirginleaf!

norevensoltoofiercelyview

thybosomblushingstillwithdew!

may'stthoulong,sweetcrimsongem,

richlydeckthynativestem;

tillsomeev'ning,sober,calm,

droppingdews,andbreathingbalm,

whileallaroundthewoodlandrings,

andev'rybirdthyrequiemsings;

thou,amidthedirgefulsound,

shedthydyinghonoursround,

andresigntoparentearth

theloveliestformshee'ergavebirth.