What arms might ravish, leave to peaceful arts, Wisdom and love shall win the roughest hearts; So shall the angel who has closed for man The blissful garden since his woes began Swing wide the golden portals of the West, And Eden's secret stand at length confessed! . . . . . . . . . . . The reader paused; in truth he thought it time,-- Some threatening signs accused the drowsy rhyme. The Mistress nodded, the Professor dozed, The two Annexes sat with eyelids closed,-- Not sleeping,--no! But when one shuts one's eyes, That one hears better no one, sure, denies. The Doctor whispered in Delilah's ear, Or seemed to whisper, for their heads drew near. Not all the owner's efforts could restrain The wild vagaries of the squinting brain,-- Last of the listeners Number Five alone The patient reader still could call his own. "Teacups, arouse!" 'T was thus the spell I broke; The drowsy started and the slumberers woke. "The sleep I promised you have now enjoyed, Due to your hour of labor well employed. Swiftly the busy moments have been passed; This, our first 'Teacups,' must not be our last. Here, on this spot, now consecrated ground, The Order of 'The Teacups' let us found! By winter's fireside and in summer's bower Still shall it claim its ever-welcome hour, In distant regions where our feet may roam The magic teapot find or make a home; Long may its floods their bright infusion pour, Till time and teacups both shall be no more!"