I have sought through the bright fields of poesy, gay

With sunshiny fancy, the beautiful lay,

The heart-stirring legend, the ballads of old,
And poets' own stories of lambs in the fold;
I've cull'd blossoms here, and pluck'd flowers there,
And, if you'll believe me, I've taken great care
To collect all the sweetest that came in my way-
In hopes, my dear readers, you'll each of you say
That my little nosegay's as charming and gay

As your handful of flowers o'ertopp'd with the May."

J. C.