Aurelia, think not to refuse Or scorn my gift, although These jewels must their lustre lose Upon thy neck of snow.
But, if thine eyes should glance aside And deign to mark their shine, Deem them as emblems of the pride That fills this heart of mine.
And if, for mine unworthy sake, The pearls neglected be, Still keep them; and the bauble make Into a rosary.
And when, perchance, desiring grace, In prayer thy spirit pleads, String thou thy kisses in their place And I will tell the beads.
❦