To Minnie

(With a Hand-glass)

A PICTURE-FRAME for you to fill,

A paltry setting for your face,

A thing that has no worth until

You lend it something of your grace.

I send (unhappy I that sing

Laid by awhile upon the shelf)

Because I would not send a thing

Less charming than you are yourself.

And happier than I, alas!

(Dumb thing; I envy its delight)

’T will wish you well, the looking-glass,

(And look you in the face to-night).