University of Virginia Library

Lines given with a Penwiper.

I have compassion on the carpeting,
And on your back I have compassion too.
The splendid Brussels web is suffering
In the dimmed lustre of each glowing hue;
And you the everlasting altering
Of your position with strange aches must rue.
Behold, I come the carpet to preserve,
And save your spine from a continual curve.