( READ AT THE DINNER TO RICHARD WATSON GILDER, ON HIS
BIRTHDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1884)

Good actions are a fruit so ripe and rare
They bear not fingering. Let me then beware
To touch with venturous hand this curving branch,
Nor lean too heedlessly against the tree
Thus, at its prime, o'erladen heavily
With golden harvest full and sweet and stanch, —
Lest I by some rude shock, at this light hour,
Bring down the Virtues in a mellow shower.

To drop the figure, friends, — let 's be content
The guest shall fancy less than we have meant;
Speak not too closely of his special good,
That we are here tells more than trumpets could.
Our friendship holds his virtues as the light
Holds the hid rainbow — storm but makes them bright;
The modest veil they wear I may not raise
Lest he should blush to hear, and I to praise.