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60
TO MY SISTER MARY.
A DEDICATION WRITTEN EARLY IN LIFE.
Sister, accept these lays; as yet I weenNo lay but mine has open'd with thy name,
I would I were a bard of mightier fame,
Then would this tribute of more price have been,
And thou had'st worn a costlier pledge, in sign
Of my deep love! My name is all unknown,
And, daring not to venture forth alone,
It fondly seeks companionship of thine;
And thou dost love me more than to believe
Thy brother's song can furnish shame to thee;
Critics! be your dispraise from harshness free,
And scornful gibe, nor give her cause to grieve,
For, if ye sternly say I cannot sing,
My sister's name is on a shamèd thing!
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