Page:Poems Howard.djvu/108

I followed your directions through,
 Unto the "bitter end"—
I mean, of course, the end in view—
 But you will comprehend.

With cream as thick as "Patent glue,"
 I mixed it,—half and half,—
And thought of rare "ambrosial dew"
 Divinities might quaff.

The miseries of other years,
 As if in an eclipse,
Were hidden in "the cup that cheers"
 Whene'er it touched my lips.

I drank your dear, delightful health
 In steaming fragrance sweet;
And had I any surplus wealth,
 I'd lay it at your feet.

If my ship ever reaches shore,
 You shall be rightful heir,—
When I have told my ducats o'er,—
 To all I have to spare.

Don't let my generous projects, though,
 More brilliant prospects mar;
I merely thought you'd like to know
 What my intentions are.