L'ENVOI

I wish my verses I could give,
    Instead of sell.
Unfortunately I must live,
    Though none too well.
But if you borrow, beg or steal
    This tome to get,
I hope that you will never feel
    The least regret.

I hope that in it you may find
    A word of cheer,
An image kindly to your mind,
    A smile, a tear;
A single line you want to quote,
    A small refrain:
Then I will never think I wrote
    My verse in vain.

And so I knock upon your door
    And beg your time,
A peddler with a humble store
    Of homespun rhyme.
Yes do not think that I will blame
    If you be coy;
No, Friend, I thank you all the same,
    And wish you joy.