It were not well to vex thee with my praises,
Yet I am quick to read thy gifts aright,
Loving, sincere, and wise—in three best phases,
Young heart, I note thy characters of light;
Spirits are keen to make such instant guesses;
For time is nothing to the soul that lives;
Therefore my spirit thy good spirit blesses,
Therefore my mind its cordial greeting gives.
Its greeting?—of a moment, sad to tell,
For all my greeting is a true farewell!