Within my heart, you darling elf! I’ve caged your little frolic self, There will I hold you tight and fast— And so you see you’re caught at last; While this resolve I’ve made sincerely, To kiss and pet and love you dearly; You need not struggle to get free, You’re snugly locked—Love has the key; And once within his power, you know, He never lets a prisoner go!
You saucy witch! you need not pout, And vow you’ll surely raise a route, Unless within one minute more, I summon Love to ope the door!
Now plead not with that coaxing smile, Just to be free _a little while_; You waste your cunning, for in vain You strive to break Love’s silken chain. Whene’er he plays the jailor’s part He’s “up to” every dainty art, And though you think he’ll let you off, When well you know you’ll laugh and scoff The moment when, on loosened pinions, You wing away from his dominions; From that wild dream you’ll soon awaken, To learn you’re wofully mistaken; Love never yet betrayed a trust, So, for your comfort, stay you must!
Ah! by this time I see you’ve found You’re really safely caught and bound; So, having tamed you down in season, I’m sure you soon will list to reason, And cease for liberty to pine, My true heart’s captive Valentine!
Yes, Katie Wilmot was _very_ proud of that; and she might have been heard from time to time, through the evening, repeating with peculiar satisfaction what seemed to be her two favorite lines,
While this resolve I’ve made sincerely To kiss and pet and love you dearly!
These three appropriate little verses, addressed to Amy Carter, next demand our attention.
The “Household Witch,” _thy_ winning name, Because o’er all around thee, To weave Love’s magic spell the aim, Which true as Truth has found thee!
Then as through future years thy smiles Illume this favored dwelling, All shadows by thy frolic wiles And witchery dispelling.
By wile and smile in every niche, All needless gloom suppressing, Remaining yet the Household Witch, Still prove—_the Household Blessing_!
Dear Amy Carter! The ardent, impulsive kiss which your lips imprinted upon that well-known handwriting, told how precious was this pleasant tribute; that you recognized and blessed the traces of your childhood’s loving friend, of your girlhood’s guardian angel!