_to_

_SIR JESSE BOOT_

_If, in my pages, those who suffer find
Such cheer as warms your heart and lights your mind,
Glad shall I be, but gladder, prouder too,
If this my book become a friend like you_.




_RONDEL_

_BESIDE YOUR BED I COME TO STAY
WITH MAGIC MORE THAN HUMAN SKILL,
MY PAGES RUN TO DO YOUR WILL,
MY COVERS KEEP YOUR CARES AWAY.

THE NURSE ARRIVES WITH LADEN TRAY,
THE DOCTOR CANCELS DRAUGHT AND PILL;
BESIDE YOUR BED I COME TO STAY
WITH MAGIC MORE THAN HUMAN SKILL.

AND YOU THRO' FAERY LANDS WILL STRAY,
AT LAUGHTER'S FOUNTAIN DRINK YOUR FILL,
FOR THO' YOUR BODY CRY "I'M ILL!"
YOUR MIND WILL DANCE FROM NIGHT TO DAY.
BESIDE YOUR BED I COME TO STAY
WITH MAGIC MORE THAN HUMAN SKILL_.