LOVE’S ACCEPTANCE.

Love’s jewels are better than baubles.— A palace may not be a home; Unhappiness dwelling within it Though jeweled from throne-room to dome Love’s jewels are all that I ask for; True love is more precious than gold, I wish not for palace, nor mansion Thine arms shall me ever enfold. A sip from Love’s brook is far better Than wine from a gold jeweled cup. ’Tis poison in chalice, if Hatred Sits with us at table to sup. The mirror I crave is the love-light That beams in thine eyes, and thy face, And, cottage when furnished with love-deeds; Of poverty shows not a trace. Love ever looks upward, not downward, Will therefore not think of bare floor; And will not fly out of the window, Though Poverty enters at door. My gowns may be cotton, or linen; It matters but little to me.— My beauty is not of much value, Unless it is pleasing to thee. The nest thou hast built by the brookside, Is better, far better for me Than mansion, or palace, or castle; No shadow within shall there be. But echoing songs of thy “birdling” Shall fill every corner, and nook. The willows shall be sylvan bowers; And fountain of love shall be brook.

I now have culled from out Life’s forest These Autumn Leaves which I shall send you They have been pressed into service For my little book. Perhaps if you the leaves had chosen, You would have culled more brilliant colors, And pressed them better too. By careful searching you may find one That pleases you by word, or measure, And cherished e’en will be. I hope that you will take some pleasure In reading book, and conning measure. But kindly criticise. I give my leaves into your keeping, I hope with love you will receive them, These offsprings of my heart.