The Game Of Logic

To my Child-friend.

I charm in vain; for never again,

All keenly as my glance I bend,

   Will Memory, goddess coy,

   Embody for my joy

Departed days, nor let me gaze

   On thee, my fairy friend!

Yet could thy face, in mystic grace,

A moment smile on me, 'twould send

   Far-darting rays of light

   From Heaven athwart the night,

By which to read in very deed

   Thy spirit, sweetest friend!

So may the stream of Life's long dream

Flow gently onward to its end,

   With many a floweret gay,

   Adown its willowy way:

May no sigh vex, no care perplex,

   My loving little friend!