Poems (Eaton)/For a Friend's Album
FOR A FRIEND'S ALBUM.
"WHAT is an Album's use?" quoth I, When lo, a little spriteHovering near 'twixt earth and sky, At hearing, laughed outright—And turning, whirling, down he flew Quite near my puzzled face,"An Album's use? I thought you knew 'Tis folly's resting place.
"Just compliment the lady fair Upon her lustrous eyes,Her dimpled cheeks and glossy hair, She'll think you wondrous wise,Possessed of strong discerning power Such beauties to perceive,Where none but she had e'er before Their presence dared believe."
"Not so," exclaimed a gentle voice, As there appeared in sightA form to make the heart rejoice, So glorious was its light—"My name is Friendship,"—at the word Bewitchingly serene,The sprite, Gay Satire, disappeared, And purer seemed the scene.
"An Album's use let me now give," The beauteous image said,"It brings together hearts that live, And calls to life the dead—Upon the dark and troubled earth It sendeth many a ray,So call it not of little worth Nor cast it quite away."