Amherst  Feby 19^th 1820-

Dear Lucy

                              After so long a time, I send you the screen pattern which I promised, & ought to apologize for my apparent neglect—The pattern, as I observed to you at the time, was lent, and this is the first opportunity of sending to you, since it has been returned, except by mail.

               Since I saw you, I suppose you have passed through one of the most interesting periods of life & after offering my most hearty congratulations on your on your fair prospects, instead of making any wise remarks on the subject, I transcribe for you a scrap of poetry which Mrs. Betsey Parsons says, you have much admired & which she says every married lady ought to have by heart—I trust you will excuse this impertinence from one younger than yourself—I do it partly by her request.

               Let not dear Lucy now a wife

               Bid all her cares adieu,

               There’s comforts in a married life,

               And those are crosses too.

               I do not wish to mar your mirth

               With an ungrateful sound,

               Yet still remember, bliss on earth

               No mortal ever found.