“C.O.D.”

You’ve sent me back my letters?

     Exact, just eighty-three;

You’ve severed all the fetters,

     That bound yourself to me;

You say that naught is missing;

     My presents great and small,

The photos of us kissing,

     You’ve sent them, one and all.

The ring? Oh, yes! I see it,

     The bracelet? Ah! It’s here;

Yes, everything, – so be it, –

     But this seems wholly queer.

And it stirs a fellow’s mettle,

     As only such things will;

You’ve left for me to settle

     The curst expressman’s bill!

March 8, 1895

Pub. in Boston

Courier, April 7,

     1895