Dedication

TO MISTRESS BROWN-EYES.

Epigraph

At Christmas-tide, by Christmas fire,
You’ll read these tales of mine;—
I see, above my story-book,
Your happy brown eyes shine.

Dear eyes, that front the future time
So fearlessly to-day,
Oh, may from them some kindly Fate
Keep future tears away,

And give you all your heart desires,
My little English maid,
For whom, in this far-distant land,
My loving prayers are said!

I pray for Peace, since Peace is good,
For Love, since Love is best:
If prayers bring blessings, Brown-eyed Girl,
How much you will be blest!

L. C. M.