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The leisure moments of Miss Martha Haines Butt, A.M.. Butt, Martha Haines, (b. 1834).
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page: (Cover) [View Page (Cover) ]
LEISURE MOMENTS.
page: (TitlePage) [View Page (TitlePage) ]

THE LEISURE MOMENTS OF MISS MARTHA HAINES BUTT, A. M.

NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY E. D. LONG & CO., 26 ANN STREET.

1860.Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by MISS MARTHA HAINES BUTT, A. M. In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York.
page: 5[View Page 5]

TO THE
BEAUTIFUL AND HIGHLY ACCOMPLISHED
MISS NARCISSA P. SAUNDERS,
OF
NASHVILLE, TENN.,
THIS WORK IS DEDICATED AS A TOKEN OF HIGH REGARD
AND AFFECTION, BY HER SINCERE FRIEND,

THE AUTHORESS.

page: vi-vii[View Page vi-vii]

A WORD.

AT the earnest solicitations of many friends, the writer of these "Fugitive Pieces" has finally concluded to place them, in book form, before the public. The greater portion of them are her earliest efforts, and as such must be received. With them are connected many associations, both pleasing and painful.

In glancing over some pages, the image of one, whose eyes are closed to all earthly things, seems to linger. The smile of approbation, when he looked over the youthful efforts of his "only daughter," and showed his delight in a way one who knew him so well could not mistake, is no longer seen. Now, my book goes before the world, to be criticised by those less lenient and charitable.

The writer offers no apology. If her book should serve to while away a few hours pleasantly — if there is a word or thought which will drive away a tear, and cause a smile to take its place page: viii-ix[View Page viii-ix] —then will the most sanguine wishes of the writer be realized.

The one to whom these pages are dedicated is in every way deserving of a more worthy offering; yet, let her remember that it contains not the sayings of a well-experienced person, but of a young girl who has divided her time between gaiety and study — who, though at times seemingly engrossed in amusement and frivolity, was "taking notes" — was learning true character from something better than books.

In making her appearance for the second time before the public, she does not forget that her simple wreath of thoughts may be dealt with severely. Yet there is a satisfaction in knowing that there are at least some who will receive it with a cordial welcome, and find, here and there, something to strike a responsive chord within the heart.

Martha Haines Butt.

Norfolk, Va., 1859.

TO MISS NARCISSA P. SAUNDERS.

  • Fair one, thine eyes of brightest hue,
  • Doth fill my soul with rapture great;
  • They speak a silent language, too,
  • The music doth my soul elate.
  • Methinks they have a power to charm,
  • Whene'er I meet their lovely gaze;
  • Methinks they'd keep me safe from harm,
  • While shelter'd 'neath their soft'ning rays.
  • Lady, thy placid smiles to meet,
  • When pearls thy parting lips disclose,
  • Affords to me a sight more sweet
  • And fairer than the blushing rose.
  • Think not I speak of smiles divine
  • Alone, or of thy sparkling eyes;
  • In thee the mental graces shine,
  • Like stars that deck the evening skies.
  • Who would not court the heavenly bliss,
  • The bliss thy gentle charms impart?
  • Oh! were I only sure of this,
  • Would cease the throbbings of my heart.
page: x-xi (Table of Contents) [View Page x-xi (Table of Contents) ]

CONTENTS.

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