AND "you'll still think of him in your pleasures, In your brief twilight dreams of the past; In this green laurel spray that he treasures,-- It was plucked where your parting was last; In this specimen,--but a small trifle,-- It will do for a pin for your shawl." (Which, the truth not to wickedly stifle, Was his last week's "clean up,"--and _his all_.)
_In this green laurel-spray that he treasures, It was plucked where your parting was last_]
HE'S asleep, which the same might seem strange, Miss, Were it not that I scorn to deny That I raised his last dose, for a change, Miss, In view that his fever was high; But he lies there quite peaceful and pensive. And now, my respects, Miss, to you; Which my language, although comprehensive, Might seem to be freedom, is true.
[Illustration: _But he lies there quite peaceful and pensive_]
FOR I have a small favor to ask you, As concerns a bull-pup, and the same,-- If the duty would not overtask you,-- You would please to procure for me, _game_; And send per express to the Flat, Miss,-- For they say York is famed for the breed, Which, though words of deceit may be that, Miss, I'll trust to your taste, Miss, indeed.
_For I have a small favor to ask you, As concerns a bull-pup_]
_P.S._--Which this same interfering Into other folks' way I despise; Yet if it so be I was hearing That it's just empty pockets as lies Between you and Joseph, it follers That, having no family claims, Here's my pile, which it's six hundred dollars As is _yours_, with respects, TRUTHFUL JAMES.
_Here's my pile; which it's six hundred dollars, As is yours, with respects_]
JUNE 4th! Do you know what that date means? June 4th! by this air and these pines! Well,--only you know how I hate scenes,-- These might be my very last lines! For perhaps, sir, you'll kindly remember-- If some _other_ things you've forgot-- That you last wrote the 4th of _December_,-- Just six months ago!--from this spot;
_That you last wrote the 4th of December,-- Just six months ago!--from this spot_]
FROM this spot, that you said was "the fairest For once being held in my thought." Now, really I call that the barest Of--well, I won't say what I ought! For here I am back from my "riches," My "triumphs," my "tours," and all that; And _you_'re not to be found in the ditches Or temples of Poverty Flat!