TO ALTHEA.—(Out of Town.)
If ever this message should find you,
I think that perhaps you will guess
Who sent it, in hopes to remind you
Of one who has not your address,
And who if he had dare not use it,
The chaperon's eye to offend.
Althea, yet do not refuse it,
The humble good wish of a friend!
To give you a New Year's greeting,
Explain, what I cannot explain,
How your look, at our very last meeting,
Is photographed firm on my brain.
Without you, I'm twenty years older;
And yet I'm glad you're away.
For each day it grows darker and colder,
The sky is a smoky brown-grey.
Althea—I am weary of winter
Without you! The fogs never clear.
My missive I send to the printer
To tell you how dull it is here.
I hope you are faring far better,
I trust, as I bid you adieu,
That you may divine that this letter
Is really intended for you!