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 cherished tributary Cento; And when they're absent -- altered -- 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-expressed by words, The fervent blessing of a Father! |