The box now presented to you, my dear Nieces,
Start not! contains _Men_, though in thirty-two _pieces_.
But may each of you meet with _one_ perfect and whole,
For a partner through life, with a heart and a soul;
May you each in life’s _Game_ e’er successfully move,
And all conquests achieved prove the conquests of love;
May you ever be able—on banks—to _give check_,
And may _Bishops_ and _Knights_ bow down at your beck.
May _Castles_ surrender whene’er you attack ’em,
And staunch prove your _Men_, with your good _Queen_ to back ’em;
May your fortunes permit you to dwell in the _Squares_,
And enjoy life’s delights without tasting its cares;
May you each find a _Mate_, life’s journey to sweeten,
And if _mated_ oft,—may you never be _beaten_!
* * * * *