, TERESA. CLEANTHE. 107 TERESA. There's a land much fairer than this, I am told, Just beyond the great ocean of time — Ever lovely and bright, though far out of sight, And its scenes are both grand and sublime ! Rich treasures abound in the city of gold — How I long in my heart to be there 1 Ever free from the strife of a wearisome life, And a world of commotion and care. [stroll'd, Sweet harmony dwells where our loved ones have And we know that they'll part nevermore ; And it will be sweet when together we meet, Ever safe on that beautiful shore. CLEANTHE. Come where the wild flowers are blooming- Lovely, refreshing, and fair. E'en where delightful perfuming Always floats on the balmy air. Nature will smile on thy beauty ; There most attentive Til be, Honoring one that's so witty, — Engaging and precious to me. m 108 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. LEILA. Leila is truly a beautiful belle ! She's always so lively and gay ; Ever she's neat, and I know very well That none can her maidenly charms excel ! I'd rejoice to be with her to-day. I've learned that she's ever noble and kind, Light-hearted, and amiable too. I know that she has a most excellent mind, And certain am I that you never could find One so fair with a heart so true. ELSIE. Embalmed in memory's sacred shrine Are happy thoughts of days gone by. Love's fadeless tendrils round thee twine. Like evergreens, they cannot die. Some time, perhaps, you'll tell to me If both our hearts have beat as one ; In visions bright I stroll with thee. And dream thou art mine own ; — Else hope might perish, and I'd be A wand'rer doomed to^rove alone. ij MIRANDA. MAT. MIRANDA. 109 Maiden most lovely, with great wealth of hair — Silken and glossy, so rich and so rare ! It need not be span'd by a blooming wreath, While rose-tinted cheeks are unhidden beneath. Right sure am I now that you do not paint, Though pretty you are as an artist's saint ! And ruby-red lips that are luscious as well — You ask how I know ? but I never will tell. No voice is like thine — no form is so neat, With eyes ever twinkling, with smiles ever sweet ! Delightful enchantress ! they say that you are The hope of my future — my lone guiding star, And that you're my sweetheart ns sure as can be — That I'd gladly wed you if you'd only wed me. MAY. May, thou art fair as the beautiful May ! Sociable, eloquent, lovely and gay ; And there's a charm in thy pure mellow eyes. Making thy countenance cheerful and bright- Yea, and thou'rt mild as the fresh morning light, That gleams through the blue vaulted skies. 1% fi <{ 1 110 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. CELA. Oela's best gift is an excellent mind, Her thoughts are as deep as the sea ! Ever she's social as any you'll find, And that's just what pleases me. Lovely and gay as a merry May queen, Much admired wherever she goes ! And her age — well, I guess she's sweet sixteen, And she's fair as the blushing rose. HAERIET. How glad am I that we have met — Oh, joy of joys so sweet ! Affection knows no fettered bounds, When kindred souls we meet. Refreshing are love's rightful schemes When loyal hearts agree ; Revered are all the pleasant hours That I have spent with thee. I am conversing, pretty maid, With one I still hold dear ; E'en now my heart is all aglow — I*m hopeful, dearest, as you know, Thy sweet response to hear. VIDA. LILIAN. VIDA. Ill Virtue is stamp'd upon her noble brow ! A laurel wreath whose verdure never dies. If all the fair ones stood before me now, I'd gaze upon her still with longing eyes ! Delightful thought ! there is a stream that flows, Whose fountain is my heart's most sacred shrine ; And of its depths no one but Vida knows, Whose love, I trust, is mingled now with mine. nl{ I LILIAN. Like as twin stars, thine eyes are mildly gleaming, Fresh is the glow upon thy rosy cheek ; Indeed, thy kindly glances mellow beaming. Sure tokens of real modesty bespeak. Life seems not real while ling'ring here without you ; Is void of much that's very dear to me. It is so sweet to often think about you — Morn, noon and night I yearn to be with thee ! A fragrant wreath of lilies now I send thee. To wear upon thy fair and spotless brow ; None know how much I'm longing to defend thee — O, gentle one, my spirit's with thee now. •mJ M 112 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. ^t™ CATHERINE. Come, let's be gay, esteemed and pretty maiden, And may our hearts for evermore agree ; Thy dimpled cheeks with youthful bloom are laden. How much I long thy favored guest to be ! Enjoyment pure, may we not share together ? Refreshing streams from heart to heart would flow. I'll shield thee as directed by your mother — Now let us tell sweet secrets to each other ; Else, love's young dream might vanish, as you know. ADDIE. Among the fairest of the fair. She holds the foremost place ! Distinguished by her merit rare — She's trained with fond parental care- Divine seems every grace. She sometimes sings so sweet for me. Inspires me with good cheer. Her heart from vain deceit is free ; Enshrined in fragrant memory Is the one I love so dear. ALLIE. CLEMENTINA. ALLIE. 113 A gem is this kind-hearted maiden, She's blithe, and she's bonny and gay ! Laughs sometimes the weary to gladden, Or she sings some enchanting lay. Lives now, as the pride of her dwelling ; She's very industrious and neat ; I have much delight now in telling, She's modest, yet wisely discreet I Each day her fair rivals excelling. Because she's so pretty and sweet. CLEMENTINA. Come, listen to me, Clementina — Look cheerful, my love, and be gay ! Expel every doubt and be hopeful. May love be triumphant to-day. Embalmed in my mind is thy merit ; No joy is replete without you ; This heart of mine teems with affection Immeasurably tender and true ; — Now, dearest, I wait thy direction. Advise me, sweet girl, what to do. m 4 &M: 114 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. OLIVIA. Oh, tell me, kind friends, have you seen my love 'i Has she lately passed by this way ? Like a fairy, she's ever inclined to rove 'Mong the flowers, so sweet and gay. In some pleasant dell I think she has strayed — In the woodland so fresh and green. Very fair is the face of my pretty maid, And she's sweet as an angel queen ! I'm hoping right soon my loved one to meet, I've searched 'till I'm almost blind ; And I know that, as she is a flower so sweet, 'Mong the rest she'll be hard to find. I E THEKESA. This sweet bouquet, dear girl, accept from me — How much its modest garb resembles thee ; E'en now thy cheek's resplendent rosy hue Reminds me that 'tis tribute justly due ! Exceeding fair thy form, so trim and neat — Somehow thy voice, so mellow, pure and sweet, Always delights and captivates me too. SUSIE. SALLY. SUSIE. 115 She comes, with her gay silken tresses Swinging out on the mild, fickle breeze ; Unassuming, with maidenly blushes, Never failing choice wooers to please. She strolls on the pavement so lightly, Like a gay little fairy she seems — Indeed, she's bewitching and sprightly ; Loving smiles on her countenance gleams, Even now her sweet presence delights me — She's the star of my beautiful dreams ! SALLY. She basks in the beautiful sunshine, And she clambers the hill-side steep. And sometimes she glides o'er the waters, Floating soft on the splendid deep ! Laughs merrily, too, and she dances Whenever gay music she hears ; Lights up the dark hours with her glances, And makes the air ring with Ler cheers ! You'll find that her jubilant prances Will certainly laugh you to tears. iiiji^ ! I it I ill' 116 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. ALFRETTA. Anxiously waiting my loved one's appearing, Longing to gaze on her lily-white brow ; Fond words of comfort I'll say in her hearing, Rare mental gems I've in store for her now. Exquisite joy will be mine when I meet her ; Tender expressions she'll whisper to me ; There will be mutual glee when I greet her, And we'll be tickled each other to see. ADELLE. An excellent maid is my pretty Adelle, With a heart that is light and free — Determined in everything good to excel, And she's worthy as she can be ! Enchanted I gaze on her spotless brow, The shrine of true wisdom and lore ; Look on her bright, smiling countenance now — She's sweeter than ever before 1 Light of my life is this maiden so fine. She's the fairest of all the fair ! Even now would I gaze in her true heart's shrine Just to see if my home is there. SOPHIA. SOPHRONIA. 117 SOPHIA. Softly she glides o'er the pathway That spans the delightful green, Over the thicket of brambles, Some choice heather bells to glean. Pretty and sweet is this maiden, With lovely complexion, and fair ! Her hope of the future is brilliant. And she dreams not of dark despair. I know she's the Queen of the meadow, And the pride of the heath-clad dell ! And the choice of the one now speaking. Whose delight is to guard her well. ! ill iil HI! SOPHRONIA. Sweet as the mignonette ! fair as the rose ! what rare merit her movements disclose ! Palace of pleasure she now seems to me ; Her musical tones are mingled with glee. Resplendent and mild are her pure, liquid eyes ; Often her presence brings grateful surprise. Now hopeful courage suppresses my fears — 1 know she's unequal'd beneath the blue skies, And win her I must, if it takes me three years. 118 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. STELLA. Sweet girl of my fancy, how winsome thou art ! Thy constancy none can deny ; The very remembrance brings joy to my heart, My radiant hope cannot die. Ere long, pretty maid, a secret you'll know, If friendship still fragrant should prove ; Like one in suspense, still onward I'll go, O'er Life's winding pathway to rove. Lady-love, now farewell ! I must bid thee adieu Our courtship's just nicely begun ; And if it should be sweetest pleasure to you, Be true to the heart you have won. .* GEORGINA. Golden visions flash in memory now ; Enchanting dreams of future bliss I bear. Oh, cherish'd one, right amiable art thou ; Resplendent as a Princess, bright and fair ! Gentle Georgina, O, let me hear from thee : Impressive is thy voice, so sweet and low ! Noblest of creatures, thou did'st capture me, And all my best affection long ago. ESTHER. ELEANORA. 119 ESTHER. Endless blessings fall on thee, Such as seraph-forms can bear ; Sweet may all thy friendships be, And thy sorrow, light as air. Tranquil be thy slumbering rest In the fairy land of dreams ; Heaven soothe thy gentle breast With its sweet, refreshing streams. Eyes may droop, thy heart may sigh, Hopes may perish, tears may flow- Reason leave — though all should die. Still I'd seek thy love to know. 'i i[ ELEANORA. Esteemed where'er she haply wanders, Like as a jewel, she's precious now ! Endeared because her noble virtues Are rightfully stamp'd upon her brow. None have I found so mild and lovely ; One of the finest, I here declare ! Right worthy of my best affection — A sweet little charmer, so fair, so fair. J I in! 120 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. MARION. Much love with this verse now I send thee, A tribute to one I hold dear ; And may loving kindred defend thee, And keep my sweet girl in good cheer. Remembrance brings exquisite pleasure, My thought speeds to thee in its flight ; I'm jubilant now beyond measure, With prospects still gloriously bright ! O, dearest, I fain would caress you — The fairest of all I have met ! None know how I long to possess you, — My sweetheart I'll never forget. RUBY. Ruby lips, gentle brow, and fine features, Mild complexion, and dimple-chin, too ! Undisputed, the noblest of creatures, With a heart that is tender and true ! Beauty marks on her cheeks now so rosy, Gleam as gems in the bright, starry sea. Yon fair cot is her home, neat and cozy. Where she's waiting to welcome me. EVELINE. ANGELIA. 121 EVELINE. Ever of thee proudly I'm dreaming, Eev'ling in exquisite glee ! Vigorous hope, brilliantly gleaming, Bids me cling fondly to thee. Ever my heart longs to be nearer One whom I've learned to revere ; Ling'ring alone, naught could be dearer Than thy sweet accents to hear ! I still remember thy loving kindness Lavish'd discreetly on me ; Never was I fill'd with such gladness — Beautiful hope knoweth no sadness, Ever I'm trusting in thee. ANGELIA. Affection pure, unfetter'd, free, Now mingled with sweet ecstasy, Give I to thee, instead of gold ! Exhaustless stream of tenderness — Language still fails me to express ; Its greatest depths are fathomless, And, though enjoy'd, can ne'er be told. 122 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. ABIGAIL. Accept this little gift from me, With fond regard to-day — Believe me, I'll be true to thee, Though sometimes far away. I'll not forget the winning smile You gave when first we met ; Genial you were, and free from guile- Thou'rt mild and lovely yet ! And as I wander to and fro, 'Mid scenes of strife and care, I'll think of thee wher'er I go — My cherish'd one so fair ! Light is my heart, right well I know The honored name you bear. FRANCES. Fain would I tarry with one that's so pretty ! Right merry with this lovely maiden I'd be— - And listen to sentences mellow and witty ; No youth in the land could be happy as me. Certainly she is the queen of her dwelling ! Ever her charms, as I'm now free in telling, Surpasses the finest on land or on sea. MARIA. OLLIE. 123 MAKIA. May flowers bestrew thy sunny pathway bright, White daisies and sweet violets of blue ! And may it be thy merry heart's delight To think of one who often thinks of you. Remember, 'tis affection's faithful star Still shining on, though some Jmes lost to view, In its lone course sheds glistening rays afar O'er well-known paths which lead me unto you — And still I hope that naught may ever mar The bliss of one I love, so fond and true. OLLIE. O, youthful maid, with a heart so light, Happy thoughts would I here disclose- Like a fairy-queen, you have charmed me quite ! And thy beauty rare, with thy smiles so bright. Like as magic, brings sweet repose ! Thy familiar voice, so mild and clear. Is enchanting beyond degree ! Each melting strain is to me so dear. Every word that falls on my listening ear Is indeed a rare treat to me. 124 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. CELICIA. Obarming maiden, may I linge:; Just a little while with thee 1 Even now thy conversation Is a wholesome treat to me ! Let me tarry in the presence Of the maid I prize so well ; In thy midst I'm always happy, And with thee could ever dwell. Oherish'd sweetheart, gently whisper, Breathe it softly in mine ear — Is your heart with rapture glowing — With affection sweet o'erflowing ? And I'll listen well, my dear I EUGENIE. Ever trust me, dearest — trust me as I roam — Unalloy'd affection finds with thee its home ! Gladly would I linger, hoping yet to be Ever proudly shielding one so fair to me ! Now, perhaps, you'll tell me — gently, kindly, true. If your heart is lighter, all things seeming brighter, Even while I'm telling my secret thoughts to you ? -T CHRISTIE. ROBENA. 126 ]: CHRISTIE. Charmingly beautiful, brilliant and merry ! Her lady-like manner I'll never forget ; Rosy her lips as the fair mountain berry — Indeed, she's the sweetest of all I have met ! Silver-toned accents, so gentle and winning. Thrill me with rapture, and captivate, too ! I have rejoiced from the very beginning, Ever, because she's been constant and true. N true, rhter, I you'? ROBENA. Refer me not to maidens who are fair, I know who has the sweetest charms for me ; Others are fine, with cultured minds so rare. But, somehow, would I rather cling to thee ! Brief are life's joys, the days glide swiftly by — The spring-time of our years will soon be o'er ; Enchanting scenes, now pleasing to the eye, Will soon bewitch our senses never more. Now I rejoice to be with you to-day — I've learned to prize thee well since first we met ; And may I hope that you'll not turn away. And leave me doomed to sorrow and regret. 126 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. JANE. Just now in her bloom is this excellent maid — She's remarkably brilliant and witty, And always good-natured, in sunshine or shade, And she's kind, and so charmingly pretty ! Now, she is discreet as a maiden can be, For she knows how to manage and cheer me ; Else, why should I be in the height of my glee When this heart-winning mortal is near me ? MATTIE. Merry maiden of exquisite culture, Fair queen of the realm below, A problem for me you can answer Which I am so anxious to know. *Tis true that you've always been courteous- Obliging and kind heretofore ; This once you'll be generous — won't you? Oh, grant me this one favor more ! I trust that you'll bear with me gently ; Be thoughtful and serious, I pray ! Even now, if you'll promise to wed me, I'll ask you to name the day. HENRIETTA. NELLIE. 127 HENRIETTA. Her beautiful form I am longing to see, Each heart will rejoice when we meet. Now, she is a marvel of constancy. Right eloquent, gay and discreet ! I'm charmed with her neatness, as everyone knows. Ever fine she appears to my view. They say that she's modest wherever she goes, That sympathy sweet from her heart ever flows. And I firmly believe it is true. NELLIE. Now behold this lovely maiden. With sweet smiles and tresses laden- Eyes that sparkle day and night, Cheeks like roseate morning light ! Living all true hearts to gladden — Modest, prudent, ever bright ! Lily brow, and lips so luscious- Tempting, coaxing, so delicious !-~ In her bloom, a pleasing sight. None so fine, nor quite so witty— Ever sprightly, gay and pretty, With a form that's free from blight. m> • I 128 OKIGINAL ACROSTICS. NANCY. 1 Nigh a pretty, babbling brook, In a shady little nook, 1 And where evergreens bedeck the shining way, There's a fair and sprightly dame — Nancy is her Christian name. Listen gently for the something yet to say — Clever, bright and mild is she, Always kind, and true to me. Young and beautiful, and ever fresh and gay » JANET. Joyful and gay, and wondrous fair, Right eloquent and bright, And she is still my hopeful care, Her sparkling eyes — bewitching rare- Now gleam with pure delight. She is indeed a lovely belle. Enticing, and so neat ! One secret more I'm free to tell ;' 'Tis now my lot to guard her well, My own true love, so sweet. EBE MERTIE. PBUSENCE. 129 MERTIE. May some white- robed guardian angel Hover o'er thy form to-day ! Even shield thee should the tempest Round thy pathway hold its sway ! Royal blessings shower upon you, Sacred bliss from Heaven's store ; Tell thee of a land where loved ones Roam the peaceful, golden shore. I will not forget thee, dearest ! May I ask this boon of thee — Ever keep in memory's casket One fair pearl for me, for me. PRUDENCE. Permit me, dear Prudence, to linger awhile, Rest assured I'll be courteous and kind ; Unless you respond with a happy smile. Dark despair may spring up in my mind. Even now I'm convinced that you're hopeful and free. New delight you've inspired in my heart, [me 'Cause the sweet words of welcome you've just given Even tell me how constant thou art. 130 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. ELMA. Enticing and elegant lady — How pleasingly pretty thou art ! Lovely, too, without brilliant adorning. And that's why you're dear to my heart. May your future be free from misfortune, Unmingled with sorrow or blight ; And when your life-mission is ended, May you walk in a robe of pure white. ma KEZTAH. Know you not, my pretty maiden, That your cheeks are very fair ? Ever tinged with pink and crimson — Fascinating, sweet and rare. Zephyrs fan thy silken tresses. Then they catch the gusty breeze — Intertwining, restless seeming As the leaves of dspen trees. And thy many noble virtues Are in every sense replete ; Here the laurel wreath I'll give thee — Floral tribute, pure and sweet MINTHA. MTRi. 131 MINTHA. Maiden with cheeks that are ever aglow, Shedding mild radiance wherever you go, Is there affection for me in thy heart 1 Or have I failed in performing my part 1 Now, dearest, tell me in some loving way — Softly, yet cheerfully, whisper, I pray ! — Tenderly breathe it — O break the lone spell ; Your chief admirer would fain listen well. How could I leave thee with doubts on my mind ? Have I not always been courteous and kind 1 Am I not truly your sweetheart to-day 1 Pretty enchantress, O speak while you may. MYRA. May your joy ever be overflowing, And pure as a crystal stream ; Your hopes ever brilliantly glowing, A continuous golden dream ! Right true be your lover's devotion ; May your heart still be gay and sweet, And as brimful of kind affection As an egg is full of meat. 132 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. MILDEED. Meet me, dearest, when the twilight Spreads its mantie o'er the sky, In the vale, among the daisies. Where the brook is gliding by. Let your heart be gay and cheerful, Free from all annoying care ; Dare to trust the one who loves you, — He would gladly meet you there ! Roam where clear and sparkling water Eevels 'neath the silv'ry spray — Even where the moon's soft gleaming Through serial deep will then be streaming Down among the scenery gay. NORA. Nora, sweet Nora ! fondly I love thee With true regard that I know cannot die ! Oh, thou art fair as the twilight above me. Gleaming so mild in the blue-vaulted sky. Really, my heart is filled with sweet rapture ; Fain would I linger, dear Nora, with thee I And I'm resolved to woo till I capture The heart that is always dearest to me. 9! JOSEPHINE. ANNIE. JOSEPHINE. 133 Joyful, right friendly and eloquent — One of fine culture — most excellent ! Sweet as the sweetest, and gay as can be. Ever she's modest and truthful, Pleasingly pretty and youthful ; Her beautiful form I'd go miles to see ! Indeed, she's a marvel of loveliness, Noble, and prudently generous. Ever polite, and from vanity free. Ill ANNIE. A lovely creature — spotless, pure and fair ! Her presence brings unbounded joy to me ; None have I found that can with thee compare, — I've searched this land from centre to the sea. Now in thy midst I'm full of hope and cheer ; Sweet kindred spirit, turn me not away ! I'm more than glad whenever thou art near — Thy tender glance still keeps me from dismay, Else I'd despair thy sweet response to hear, Or win the heart that is to me so dear. 134 I ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. CLARISSA. Come where the wild birds are singing Love songs of wooing and glee, And where each mate to mate clinging, Rec>ilessly flits o'er the lea. 1*11 be thy constant defender ; Sweet, then, will be our delight, — Softly will gleam the rare splendour Along the old pathway so bright. TILLIE. Thy smiles always seem the brightest, Thy glances are coaxingly sweet — Indeed, thou art ever politest. More attractive each time we meet ! Lucky day when we came together, Love's first thrilling joys to tell ! Lovely spot where we plucked the heather, Waving fresh in the fragrant dell ! In my heart there's a cord still tender That responds to thy call so free ; Even proves me thy willing defender — Ever bids me be true to thee. CARLOTTA. ALBERTA. 135 CARLOTTA. Oarlotta is neat as a fairy, And bright as a dew-spangled rose ! Right amiable, sprightly and merry, Ling'ring sometimes in blissful repose. One thought I'll devote to her beauty- 'Twas never excell'd, I declare ! To guard her is real pleasant duty, And who could resist one so fair ! ALBERTA. A maid with a pleasing expression, Good-natured, refined and polite ! Like one of the wooing profession, I'm very attentive to-night. Beside this most lovable mortal. In the parlor, so cozy and neat. Enjoying some theme sentimental In our unmolested retreat. Refreshed by her spicy selection, And eloquent language, so fine ! There's bliss in the sweet recollection. How she pledged me her loyal affection. And I hope that she'll yet be mine. i tii TT 136 OBIGINAL ACROSTICS. } CHARLOTTE. Charmed with her modest eloquence- Her mild and dreamy eyes, And unpretending innocence Right soon beget surprise ; Likewise, her matchless sweetness Ofttimes my heart beguiles ! The maid of graceful neatness — This marvel of completeness Enchants me with her smiles. FLOSS. Faultless her manner, with lady-like air, Mild disposition that knows no despair — Lovely expression, with form ever neat — Model of excellence, always discreet ! Oh, gentle maiden, I'll never forget The time you and I on Life's pathway first met j Sweet then you were, and you're dear still to me ; Just my true counterpart, sure as can be ! Sweet words of welcome I'm longing to hear — O speak to me kindly while I linger near. ANNAS. ETTIE. ANNAS. 1S7 All is well when I'm with thee, Thou art lovely still to me — Never deem me for one moment insincere ! Never seek my hopes to blight, Nor suppress my fond delight, Else another heart, to you, is still more dear. Annas, will you tell me true— May I still confide in you ? Softly Avhisper while I'm lingering with you here. ETTIE. Ever the pride of the gay cottage-hall— The merry home circle adorning ! The brightest and best— the fairest of all. And sweet as the blooms of the morning ! The queen of the walk, in the old mossy dell, Where she wanders along discreetly. In the glow of her youth, a winsome belle, Clad in modest attire, so neatly ! Even now, in my joy, I'm constrained to tell, She has captured my heart completely. 138 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. BARBAKA. Blue be the sky bending mildly o*cr thee, Arched in royal splendour — how lovely 'twould be ! Rare be thy bliss 'neatli the sun's genial rays, Blest be thy future of bright golden days ! And may thy heart, always pure as the dew, Rejoice with the one whom you love so true — And may he ever prove worthy of you. CHLOE. Cling to her fondly, — watch o'er her tenderly, — Some mother's darling this maiden must be. Harm not this dear one, fashioned so slenderly — She is not heartless — she's human like thee. Let not the frivolous glory in slighting her ; Shelter this mortal so lovely and fair ! Oh, may the storm-clouds roll without blighting her, Kuler Divine, kindly answer my prayer ! Ever may loving ones join in delighting her ; Let her not weep in the depths of despair. ANN. GEOUaiE. 139 ANN. A casket of feminine sweetness, Combined witli such marvellous neatness— None other could cbarm me, and win at first sight ; There's something mysterious about her, No pastime seems perfect without her, And when she is near all is lovely ami bright. GEORGIE. Gaily now my young heart dances Out on Life's mysterious sea ; Even now her winning glances In sweet visions fall on me. Oh, what rapture o'er me streaming ! Hark ! methinks her voice 1 hear ; Rather would 1 were not dreaming-1 O that she were lingering near ! Guardian angels, keep her ever 'Neath your spotless wings of white. If love's tender cord you sever- So that we part— O let her never End her days in hopeless blight. 140 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. ADA. A garland she wears on her pearl-tinted brow— The avenue belle is this fine maiden now, Distinguished because she's so wisely discreet ; A boon of good fortune, light-hearted and gay- A true beacon light sent to gladden my way, With a musical voice, so charmingly sweet. JEMIMA. dust in the prime of beauty's glow- Good-natured, frank and free. Especially gifted, as you know. With much that pleases me. My waiting heart o'erflows to-day With streams of pure delight ; I sing and laugh— I feel so gay, ' With prospects growing bright. My missiou now must bo confess'd— I think I'll soon propose. And find out if she loves me best- Do you think she does ?— who knows ! C I H LUCY. DINAH 141 LUCY. Li^'litsome her heart, amid Life's lovely morning- The brilliant future forms her hapj)y dreams ; Unwearied faith gives hope its bright adorning, And so her love flows on as crystal streams. Calm and serene, she glides along discreetly, Her sunny path with flow'rets fair is strewn. Youth, in its bloom enchants me — O so sweetly ! She's someone's Heaven-given, precious boon. DINAH. Dear is the hallowed spot where this sweet maid First thrill'd me with love's most delicious spell : In many a vale together since we've stray 'd, And gazed on scenes we still remember well. Not yet forgotten is that rustic seat, Where first we breathed our secret solemn vow ; And as all nature smiled on us so sweet, I stroked her cheek, and kissed her gentle brow. Homeward we stroll'd, resolved ofttimes to meet Upon that scene still dear in memory now. mff 142 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. MAMIE. iii:i U .iii My bliss is refreshing when Mamie is near — Oh, who Avould not shelter this sweet little dear ? And treat her with kindness, and love her well too, And kiss her most fondly — I would, wouldn't you? May fortune's fair tendrils around thee entwine. Your own true-love whisper, O dearest, be mina t In some lovely vale, 'neath the sun's cheering rays, Where merry birds warble their medley of praise, Ever safely secure from the chilly north-breeze, May you live in contentment, and do as you please. KUTH. Remember me, sweet boon of fadeless pleasure. Oh, shed again thy greeting smile on me ! Unkind 'twould be to leave my royal treasure ; Fond mem'ry bids my spirit cling to thee. This very hour I'm tmitten with thy beauty. And lady-like deportment wondrous fine.; How pleasant seems Life's Avinding path of duty, Confiding in that loving heart of thine. FLOHA. CLARA. 143 FLOEA. Fairer now by far than the beautiful flowers That enliven her home on the lea ; Like a prize-winning gem from nature's own bowers, So this maiden seems ever to me. Over yon shining way is her home bright and fair, Where the birds sing so cheerful and gay : . Resplendent she roams, with a dignified air, Ever fresh as the blossoms of May, And my chief delight is to shield her with care, In a gallant and generous way. CLARA. Clara now seems just the pink of perfection ! Sweet disposition, so mild and serene ; Likely she knows that my earnest affection Finds its sweet home with my maidenly queen. And I'm so glad when she smiles on me sweetly — Delightful she seems when none other could cheer, Right it must be, for she's won me completely ; I'm fairly enchanted whenever she's near ! Always she's clad so becoming and neatly — The pride of all hearts is this maiden so dear. EtF ■ 141 ORIGINAL ACROSTICS, LOU. Lucky day when I met this pretty young maid, Ofttimes in the twilight together we've stray'd- Of all lovely creatures, she's brightest and best ; She's brimful of logic — she^s musical, too — Upholding the right with a heart that is true, And pU that she says is so sweotly express'd. ANNA. As fresh as the rose in the early dawn, Shedding smiles where 'twas dark and dreary ; No flower have I seen in the cottage lawn Ihat can now compare with my dearie : No voice have I heard that's so soft and low, She's the guest of my midnight dreaming ; And I'm smitten outright with her beauty's glow, And the charm of her eye's soft gleaming. id. ay'tl- est ; 'd. u'y; ;low,