[page 1]
I was in a crowded assembly
and as I chanced to look around
me my eyes fell on you, "beautiful
blue eyed fairy" I felt as if I
could take you at once into my
"heart of hearts" and shelter you
from every blast of adversity.
We have met frequently since then
and as I become more intimate my
love grows stronger, until "I fear
to trust my self in your" presence
lest by a headlong acknowledgment
of my passion, I should scare away
the timid bird who regarding me
as harmless trusts herself near me.
You are a lovely girl of that gentle
and unpretending cast that wins its
way almost imperceptibly to the hearts
of those who gaze upon you, stealing
in upon the soul as the dewy incense
of evening steals over fragrant
[page 2]
flowers. [scratched out line: if success would crown my]
[scratched out word: efforts] How I long for a home
with such a presiding spirit inst-
alled as you, one that I could love
and honor. you are the goddess for
my throne, but I dare not approach
you. I am twenty years your senior.
You are a sunbeam! I a winters day;
how would you regard the suit of
one who is in your eye an old man.
what inducement can I hold forth
to temp[t] you to my arms? had your
station in life been lower or sorrow made
your lot desolate how gladly would I
have offered you the homage of a
worshipping heart the protection
of a strong arm the shelter of a
loving home; I almost wish that
misfortune would ovrtake you, that
you might come a penniless bride
to my yearning heart but it is not
to be you accord me your friendship
and I prize it above all earthly things
[page 3]
I have never asked for more fearing
to lose that I did not expect to say
this so soon but tis over, will you
gentle girl pardon this confession and
sometimes think kindly of him whose
greatest fault was loving you too
well
pity the wrechedness of your
Valentine
Fitzpatrick Mitchell Williamson Papers
