Underwoods/To Minnie

by Robert Louis Stevenson

For works with similar titles, see To Minnie.

VIII

TO MINNIE

(With a hand-glass)

A picture-frame for you to fill,
⁠A paltry setting for your face,
A thing that has no worth until
⁠You lend it something of your grace,

I send (unhappy I that sing
⁠Laid by awhile upon the shelf)
Because I would not send a thing
⁠Less charming than you are yourself.

And happier than I, alas!
⁠(Dumb thing, I envy its delight)
'Twill wish you well, the looking-glass,
⁠And look you in the face to-night.

1869.