Lines for an Eccentric’s Book Plate

To use my books all friends are bid:

My shelves are open for ’em;

And in each one, as Grolier did,

I write Et Amicorum.

All lovely things in truth belong

To him who best employs them;

The house, the picture and the song

Are his who most enjoys them.

Perhaps this book holds precious lore,

And you may best discern it.

If you appreciate it more

Than I—why don’t return it!