PUCK LOST AND FOUND

ACROSTIC

["Inscribed in two books... presented to a little girl and boy, as a sort of memento of a visit paid by them to the author one day, on which occasion he taught them the pastime of folding paper ’pistols’."]

PUCK has fled the haunts of men:

Ridicule has made him wary:

In the woods, and down the glen,

No one meets a Fairy!

"Cream!" the greedy Goblin cries

Empties the deserted dairy-

Steals the spoons, and off he flies.

Still we seek our Fairy!

Ah! What form is entering?

Lovelit eyes and laughter airy!

Is not this a better thing,

Child, whose visit thus I sing,

Even than a Fairy?

Nov. 22, 1891.

PUCK has ventured back agen:

Ridicule no more affrights him:

In the very haunts of men

Newer sport delights him.

Capering lightly to and fro,

Ever frolicking and funning-

"Crack!" the mimic pistols go!

Hark! The noise is stunning!

All too soon will Childhood gay

Realize Life’s sober sadness.

Let’s be merry while we may,

Innocent and happy Fay!

Elves were made for gladness!

Nov. 25, 1891.