A Valentine

Out of the depths of a heart of love,

Out of the birth-place of sighs,

Freighted with hope and freighted with fear,

My all in a valentine, hies.

Oh, frail little missive

Of delicate texture,

Speed thee, on thy journey,

And give her a lecture!

Fathom her heart, that seems to me, cold,

Trouble her bosom, as mine,

Let it be mutual, this that I crave,

Her ‘yes’ for a valentine.

Oh, frail little missive,

In coy Cupid’s keeping

Oh! speed back a message,

To set my pulse leaping.