The String Around My Finger.

'Et hæc olim meminisse juvabit.' THE bell that strikes the warning hour, Reminds me that I should not linger, And winds around my heart its power, Tight as the string around my finger. A sweet good-night I give, and then Far from my thoughts I need must fling her, Who blessed that lovely evening, when She tied the string around my finger. Lovely and virtuous, kind and fair, A sweet-toned bell, O! who shall ring her! Of her let bell men all beware, Who ties such strings around their finger. What shall I do? — I 'll sit me down, And, in my leisure hours, I 'll sing her Who gave me neither smile nor frown, But tied a thread around my finger. Now may the quiet star-lit hours Their gentlest dews and perfumes bring her; And morning show its sweetest flowers To her whose string is round my finger. And never more may I forget The spot where I so long did linger;— But watch another chance, and get Another string around my finger.