Inscription to encourage borrowers to return books?

[abbyseyes]

Does anyone know of an iscription or something similar to write in a book that would encourage the borrower to return it? I ran across something on the web once (but of course I can't find it now). It wasn't a hex or anything like that, just something with a catchy & witchy undertone to serve as a gentle reminder.

[Flar's Freyja]

Hmm, I'm kind of tired and all I can think of is :

Ever mind the rule of three
This here book belongs to me
:rolleyes:

I'm not great with making up catchy phrases, but I'm thinking that you might empower the book with a personal sigil that you could write inside the cover, so that it will always find its way back to you.

[phoenixsong]

I remember one, though I doubt it's witchy, just funny:

If this book dares to roam
Catch its legs and send it home

I'm not sure about the 'Catch its legs' bit though :D. I think I'm mixing it up with something else.

[Rick]

In my most precious books I write:

"This book belongs to Rick.
Blessings on the one who borrows it.
Curses on the one that doesn't return it."

So far, folks have gotten the message... :T

[Melysande]

Here's one for you that I just made up:

This borrowed book
Is yours to read.
I hope that it
Will suit your need.

Peruse it gently,
I ask of you.
Return it undamaged,
If not quite new.

And please return it
In good time,
As it's not yours;
It's really mine.

Thank you for heeding
This book blessing with care,
Now move on to the next page--
The good stuff starts there! :)

[Cinnamon Girl]

Wow, that's great, Melysande! :)

I may have to use that ~ as I'm constantly getting back lent books that look like they were given to the dogs to play with. But then again, I'm a bit anal about the mistreatment of my books! :p

I don't usually have a problem not having them returned, probably 'cause I keep hounding the person for it after a reasonable amount of time has passed! ;)

[)O( ~ Khara~ )O(]

Melysande, can I use that too?? It was great!!!

[Melysande]

Thanks! :) **takes a bow** Yep, everyone who wants to use it is free to do so.

[Flar's Freyja]

It's great, Mely! Thanks! :)

[SagaDraco]

I call this potent spell a "receipt". You prepare a written statement that the book is to be returned in condition lent on a specified date, make, uh, I mean summon two copies, keep one for yourself, and let the other go with the book-borrower. You now have a piece of paper, Im sorry again, spell, to establish a legitimate complaint against the person. For added effect write it in a bloodlike substance. I guarantee it would come back extremely fast, and probably in better condition then when lent. :)

[Kaylara]

Originally posted by Rick
In my most precious books I write:

"This book belongs to Rick.
Blessings on the one who borrows it.
Curses on the one that doesn't return it."

So far, folks have gotten the message... :T

I actually charge all of my magickal items with a similar warning.

Kaylara