PREFACE.

IN commending the first volume of a new Annual to the good will of the public, the editor deems it necessary to say but a very few words. The book is composed of articles written by those on whom the world has long ago placed its stamp of approval; and not a line has been allowed on its pages which could possibly offend the most scrupulous delicacy.

It is difficult for an editor to say a good word in. behalf of what he brings into the literary market, without seeming to overstep the bounds of true modesty; but he craves indulgence, for simply saying here, that whoever chooses to examine the contents of "Friendship's Gift," will find no lack of entertainment in the perusal.

W. P.

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199

FRIENDSHIP'S GIFT.

LINES TO FLORENCE.

WINTHROP M. PRAED.

LONG years have passed with silent pace,
Florence! since you and I have met;
Yet when that meeting I retrace,

My cheek is pale, my eye is wet;
For I was doomed from thence to rove
O'er distant tracts of earth and sea,
Unaided, Florence! save by love;

And unremembered - save by thee!
We met! and hope beguiled our fears
Hope, ever bright, and ever vain;
We parted thence in silent tears,
Never to meet— in life — again.
The myrtle that I gaze upon,
Sad token by thy love devised,
Is all the record left of one

So long bewailed — so dearly prized.
You gave it in an hour of grief,

When gifts of love are doubly dear; You gave it- and one tender leaf Glistened the while with Beauty's tear. 1.