Part 19

One day I got a missive Writ in a dainty hand, Which made my manly bosom With vanity expand. 'T was from a "young admirer" Who asked me would I mind Sending her "favorite poem" "In autograph, and signed."

She craved the boon so sweetly That I had been a churl Had I repulsed the homage Of this gentle, timid girl; With bright illuminations I decked the manuscript, And in my choicest paints and inks My brush and pen I dipt.

Indeed it had been tedious But that a flattered smile Played on my rugged features And eased my toil the while. I was assured my poem Would fill her with delight-- I fancied she was pretty-- I knew that she was bright!

And for a spell thereafter That unknown damsel's face With its worshipful expression Pursued me every place; Meseemed to hear her whisper: "O, thank you, gifted sir, For the overwhelming honor You so graciously confer!"

But a catalogue from Benjamin's Disproves what things meseemed-- Dispels with savage certainty The flattering dreams I dreamed; For that poor "favorite poem," Done and signed in autograph, Is listed in "Cheap Items" At a dollar-and-a-half.