Beschreibung:

Alcott, Louisa May (1832-1888) Unpublished Manuscript Poem, To Constance, Concord, c. 1882. Single leaf of wove paper, originally folded in two, inscribed over three pages, to Constance Emery Ellis, old folds, evenly toned, slight browning around the edges, 10 x 8 in. [Together with] a photo-copy of Constance Emery's typed recollections of her time in Concord. Constance Emery Ellis moved with her family to the Alcott's Orchard House in the summer of 1879. Her father, Samuel H. Emery Jr., of Quincy, Illinois, was to run the Concord Summer School of Philosophy from 1879 to 1888. "To Constance Our little song tonight shall be In praise of modest worth. In honor of the sweetest thing That beautifies the earth. 'Tis not a rare or lovely flower A diamond bright or pearl, It is the household treasure called A good old fashioned girl A gentle girl A simple girl A real old fashioned girl. She has not lost docile respect For friends or parents' wishes She does not scorn domestic arts But sweeps and washes dishes She does not gossip, flirt, and romp Nor try with envious strife To far outshine her youth mates In the small games of life. The duteous girl The honest girl The good old fashioned girl She dresses like a modest maid Enjoys both work & [struck out] Simplicity the honest beauty, She makes her life a pleasant round Of happiness and duty Beloved by many tender hearts Who watch her day by day Rosy & fair she blooms for them A human Daisy by the way. The simple girl The charming girl The dear old fashioned girl. [...]" Provenance: From Samuel H. Emery Jr. by family descent.