Gems for the Casket from The Casket, 1854

Gems, gems for the Casket! I asked day and night; Give gems for the Casket, all sparkling and bright! None heeded my cry, till in sorrow I turned, And in secret the Casket all empty I mourned.

To the Principal, first, I hastened for aid; Lo! a cloud on his brow—not a word he essayed: Then I knew that his thoughts were far, far away, By the blue rolling waves of the Chesapeake Bay.

To the Reverends, next, all submissive I go: They list to my tale—perhaps, pitied my woe— But they gave me, alas! not one single gem. I forgive, but I hoped better treatment from them.

How sad now my heart, as I looked through my tears,

And the Casket, still empty, before me appears. But a bright thought is left: to the Ladies I’ll go; While Hope fondly whispered, They will lighten thy woe.

To the Mistress of Painting I hastened away, Exclaiming, "A gem for the Casket, I pray!" I trembled, as palette and brushes all fell, Lest the frown on her brow on the picture should dwell.

Then I hied to the one that, with magical art, Sways the sceptre of love o’er each juvenile heart; She laughed and exclaimed, as I ventured my plea, "Ask sunbeams from gourds, but not jewels from me!"

How sadly I turned, while grief bowed my head, To the one from whose cheeks health’s roses have fled!

The glance of her eye told her heart was with me, But the flesh was so weak that I urged not my plea.

Next, my burdened heart turned to the musical band.

Should I venture of them a gem to demand?

I knew not, alas! if their souls were in tune; And, fearing some discord, I asked not the boon, Save of one, whose heart fond pity did move

To grant me a gem all glowing with "Love," Which the Casket enshrines with its splendor so bright,

To gladden the hearts that may listen to-night.

Grown bold by success, I now ventured near The "Master of Signs," though not without fear, Lest to him it should seem like presumption of mine To expect gems rare as his for me to enshrine.

I looked for a frown, but the light on his brow Chased the gloom from my heart, sorely burdened till now;

And the "gem" which he gave, Oh! how bright does it shine!

"Fact," garnished by "Fancy," breathes forth in each line.

Thanks, thanks, kindest sir! May "Fancy" portray Joys less brilliant than "Facts," that shall gladden your way.

Thanks, thanks, gentle lady! May your portion be "Love,"

While you sojourn on earth and in mansions above.

Gems, gems for the Casket! The strain I’ll prolong. Gives gems for the Casket! shall still be my song. When the Casket is broken, they will all, on my part, Be embalmed in the innermost shrine of the heart.