TO MAUD.—A Birthday Roundel.
An empty purse! It's true we often say
This weary world of ours knows nothing worse,
And yet I send you, on this festive day,
An empty purse.
Do not consign to an untimely hearse
The friend who treats you in this heartless way.
Don't let your pretty lips invoke a curse,
But let me wish you happiness, and may
You guess the reason from this little verse
Why at your feet to-day I humbly lay
An empty purse.