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To Annie S.

I cannot well refuse fair maid

To chant my feeble song

To listen while I string my lute

My strain will not be long

My highest wish for thee my friend shall be

That thou mayst live in peace and die happy

If thou shoudst scan this humble page

When we are far apart

My lute strings may they touch the chords

Which vibrate in thy heart

Causing to swell the strains of other days

Like vocal memories tuned to joyful lays

Remember then the past fair maid

These pages oft turn o'er

And when you turn remember him

Who may be here no more

And may the guards of heaven surround the odd

Lureing thee on to peace to joy and God