)xtim ta tl]c Bttm^i Cbition. 



Little book ! when first I launched thee 



On the dark and dangerous waters 



Of opinion, thinking judgment 



Would for certain go against thee, 



I withdrew from observation, 



Hid myself from public notice ; 



I, thy parent, like a coward, 



Launched thee on thy course unfathered. 



But, one came with words of welcome, 

 Guiding thy too timid footsteps, 

 Cheering onwai'ds, though a stranger 

 On the threshold of existence. 

 Spence espied thee ; Spence the father 



