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1849–1916

TO LESLEY

James Whitcomb Riley

Burns sang of bonny Lesley As she gaed o'er the border,— Gaed like vain Alexander, To spread her conquests farther.

I sing another Lesley, Wee girlie, more alluring, Who stays at home, the wise one, Her conquests there securing.

A queen, too, is my Lesley, And gracious, though blood-royal, My heart her throne, her kingdom, And I a subject loyal.

Long shall you reign, my Lesley, My pet, my darling dearie, For love, oh, little sweetheart, Grows never old or weary.

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TO LESLEY · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove