In "The Valentine" at the bottom it said that this poem, when decoded, spells out the name Frances Sargentos Good. Who is Frances Sargentos Good?

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2001

Answers

Justin,

The name is actually Frances Sargent Osgood. She was a poetess of some recognition in Philadelphia and had met Poe in March of 1845. Poe had favorably reviewed some of her poetry in print and had mentioned it in a lecture. They became friends and were said to have had an affair but it was really just an exchange of poetry in print. Their relationship was based on mutual respect and admiration more than romance. She was one of the few supporters of Poe and an unapologetic admirer of his poetry.

Regards,

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2001