AND he says "that the mountains are fairer For once being held in your thought;" That each rock "holds a wealth that is rarer Than ever by gold-seeker sought." (Which are words he would put in these pages, By a party not given to guile; Though the claim not, at date, paying wages, Might produce in the sinful a smile.) [Illustration: _Though the claim not, at date, paying wages, Might produce in the sinful a smile_] HE remembers the ball at the Ferry, And the ride, and the gate, and the vow, And the rose that you gave him,--that very Same rose he is "treasuring now." (Which his blanket he's kicked on his trunk, Miss, And insists on his legs being free; And his language to me from his bunk, Miss, Is frequent and painful and free.) [Illustration: _And the rose that you gave him_] [Illustration: _And his language to me from his bunk, Miss, Is frequent and painful and free_] HE hopes you are wearing no willows, But are happy and gay all the while; That he knows--(which this dodging of pillows Imparts but small ease to the style, And the same you will pardon)--he knows, Miss, That, though parted by many a mile, "Yet, were _he_ lying under the snows, Miss, They'd melt into tears at your smile." [Illustration: _Which this dodging of pillows Imparts but small ease to the style_] AND "you'll still think of him in your pleasures, In your brief twilight dreams of the past; In this green laurel spray that he treasures,-- It was plucked where your parting was last; In this specimen,--but a small trifle,-- It will do for a pin for your shawl." (Which, the truth not to wickedly stifle, Was his last week's "clean up,"--and _his all_.) [Illustration: _In this green laurel-spray that he treasures, It was plucked where your parting was last_] HE'S asleep, which the same might seem strange, Miss, Were it not that I scorn to deny That I raised his last dose, for a change, Miss, In view that his fever was high; But he lies there quite peaceful and pensive. And now, my respects, Miss, to you; Which my language, although comprehensive, Might seem to be freedom, is true. [Illustration: _But he lies there quite peaceful and pensive_]