A Dedication

by Thomas Bailey Aldrich — a poem card from Justes Mots

A graceful dedicatory poem offering verses to an admired woman, asking her to lend elegance to his work through her presence. The poem uses jewelry imagery to express how her beauty elevates everything around her. It serves as an intimate tribute or romantic gesture.

Take these rhymes into thy grace,
Since they are of thy begetting,
Lady, that dost make each place
Where thou art a jewel's setting.

Some such glamour lend this Book:
Let it be thy poet's wages
That henceforth thy gracious look…

Themes: gratitude · friendship · admiration · love