Epigraph
Dear Hubert, if I ever foundA wishing-carpet lying round,I’d stand upon it, and I’d say:‘Take me to Hubert, right away!’And then we’d travel very farTo where the magic countries areThat you and I will never see,And choose the loveliest gifts for you, from me.
But oh! alack! and well-a-day!No wishing-carpets come my way.I never found a Phoenix yet,And Psammeads are so hard to get!So I give you nothing fine—Only this book your book and mine,And hers, whose name by yours is set;Your book, my book, the book of Margaret!
E. NESBITDYMCHURCHSeptember, 1904