'EVER BELIEVE ME AFFECTIONATELY YOURS.'

Ever believe you true? Dear friend, Your words so precious are that I Can but repeat them o'er and o'er, And kiss the paper where they lie. How shall I thank you for this pledge, This sweet assurance, which destroys The doubt that you my love repaid, And changes all my fears to joys? Ever believe you true? I will! I hold you to this written gage! This shall console me, now you're gone; Still next my heart I'll bear the page; By day and night, where'er I go, It shall my prized companion be; And if a thought would 'gainst you rise, This from all blame shall set you free. Ah, need I say, believe me true? You know how tender, yet how strong, This heart's emotions are, how half Of all its throbs to you belong; How fain 'twould burst its prison-walls To nestling beat against your own; How joyous 'twas when you were near, How sadly yearning, now, alone. Ay, till the weary life is done, Though we again may never meet, Let's not forget the by-gone days That like a dream passed, swift and sweet; Still let thy knowledge of my love Thy faith in humankind renew, Let that great love still for me plead, And, to the last, believe me true!