With sods of grass the only roof, and mud the only wall!

O lovely Mary Donnelly, your beauty's my distress:

It's far too beauteous to be mine, but I'll never wish it less.

The proudest place would fit your face, and I am poor and low;

But blessings be about you, dear, wherever you may go!

From 'Ballads and Songs.'


KARL JONAS LUDVIG ALMQUIST

(1793-1866)