University of Virginia Library


68

The Sick Man's Return for a Kiss

The grateful heart that can't repay
The favors it has prized,
Shall find acceptance in that day
When hearts are undisguised—
The widow's mite acceptance found
Where talents were disdained,
The will, and not the offering, crowned
The preference it gained—
While some good folks about us live,
I'm beggared by your kiss,
Accept then all I now can give,
A lovely peach—and This
[Mrs. Page:
Poor feverish soul! You are vastly demure
God grant you a speedy and radical cure
Your return for my kiss I greatly admire
And take the will for the deed as the case doth require.]