1876

ACROSTIC: MAIDEN, THOUGH THY HEART MAY QUAIL

by Lewis Carroll

ACROSTIC: MAIDEN, THOUGH THY HEART MAY QUAIL

(To Miss Marion Terry.) -

MAIDEN, though thy heart may quail

And thy quivering lip grow pale,

Read the Bellman's tragic tale! -

Is it life of which it tells?

Of a pulse that sinks and swells

Never lacking chime of bells? -

Bells of sorrow, bells of cheer,

Easter, Christmas, glad New Year,

Still they sound, afar, anear. -

So may Life's sweet bells for thee,

In the summers yet to be,

Evermore make melody!

Aug. 15, 1876.