But since I confess I am smitten,
Read these little verses alone.
And sincerely I trust I'll be able
To convince you, you sly little elf,
To grant me your heart, little Mabel,
And learn what it feels like yourself!

GUY WETMORE CARRYL.
_Columbia Literary Monthly_.


~A Thief's Apology.~

I stole a kiss!--What could I do?
Before the door we stood, we two,
About to say a plain good-by;
She seemed so innocent and shy,
But what she thought, I thought I knew.

Ah, swift the blissful moments flew,
And when at last I said adieu
(Perhaps you think me bold), but I--
I stole a kiss.

The tale is told; perhaps it's true,
Perhaps it was a deed to rue;
But when that look came in her eye
I thought she wished to have me try--
I don't know how 'twould been with you--
_I_ stole a kiss.