Gentle Lily with this Album my warmest wishes take,
I know its pages oft thoult ope and prize it for my sake,
For, though a trifling offering, it bears the magic spell
Of coming from the hand of one who loves thee passing well.
O could thy young lifes course be traced by will or wish of mine,
A smiling, joyous futurea bright lot would be thine,
No cloud should mar the gladness of thy fair youths opning morn,
The roses of thy girlhood should be free from blight or thorn.
Howeer, tis better ordered by a Blessed Power above
Who sends us cross and trial, as a token of His Love;
For wed cling, ah! far too closely to earthly joys and ties,
Unwilling eer to leave them for our home beyond the skies.
As the pages of this volume, unwritten, stainless, fair,
Life opens out before thee, let it be thine aim and care
To keep the record spotless, and ever free from all
That thou mightst wish hereafter remorseful to recall.
Not seeking to oershadow thy smiling azure eyes,
Nor see that girlish bosom heave with sad thoughts and sighs,
I would whisper low, while wishing thee, all earthly, cloudless bliss,
Be life a preparation for a better life than this!
