Written on the blank leaf of my first edition, which I presented to an old sweetheart, then married – I was then on the tip-toe for Jamaica

Once fondly lov’d, and still remember’d dear;
Sweet early object of my youthful vows!
Accept this mark of friendship, warm, sincere, —
Friendship! ‘t is all cold duty now allows.

And when you read the simple, artless rhymes,
One friendly sigh for him — he asks no more, —
Who distant burns in flaming torrid climes,
Or haply lies beneath th’ Atlantic roar.