Letter 258 (early 1862) Susan Gilbert Dickinson Emily Dickinson

Dear Sue,

      Your - Riches - taught me - poverty!
      Myself, a "Millionaire"
      In little - wealths - as Girls can boast -
      Till broad as "Buenos Ayre" -
      You drifted your Dominions -
      A Different - Peru -
      And I esteemed - all - poverty -
      For Life's Estate - with you!

      Of "Mines" - I little know - myself -
      But just the names - of Gems -
      The Colors - of the Commonest -
      And scarce of Diadems -
      So much - that did I meet the Queen -
      Her glory - I should know -
      But this - must be a different wealth -
      To miss it - beggars - so!

      I'm sure 'tis "India" - all day -
      To those who look on you -
      Without a stint - without a blame -
      Might I - but be the Jew!
      I know it is "Golconda" -
      Beyond my power to dream -
      To have a smile - for mine - each day -
      How better - than a Gem!