Autograph Manuscript, fair copy, of "The Children's Hour," Signed ("Henry W. Longfellow")

N.p., 1864. 4 pp. manuscript inlaid to size, extra-illustrated with 2 engraved portraits, an engraved view of Longfellow's Cambridge home, and a letterpress printed edition of the poem. 4to. Full red morocco gilt, front cover with triple gilt rule border with decorative floral cornerpieces around central gilt title, spine titled in gilt, silk moiré endpapers, a.e.g. by C. Walters. Joints lightly rubbed, faint traces of dampstain to inner hinges (bottom two inches only, not affecting contents), small repaired tear on one mount. Fine. 4 pp. manuscript inlaid to size, extra-illustrated with 2 engraved portraits, an engraved view of Longfellow's Cambridge (truncated) home, and a letterpress printed edition of the poem. 4to. Beautiful presentation of this fair copy by Longfellow of one of his most delightful poems, "The Children's Hour"

[ ... ]
Descending the broad hall stair,
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,
And Edith with golden hair.

A whisper, and then a silence:
Yet I know by their merry eyes
They are plotting and planning together
To take me by surprise.
[ ... ]
I have you fast in my fortress,
And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon
In the round-tower of my heart.
[ ... ]. Provenance: Estate of Katherine Graham (Inventory #: 239709)