Which measured time to me: her childish ways,
Her growth, well-being, happiness, were mine,
Part of my life. Whene’er I have been away
On distant service, the same couriers
That carried my despatches to the king,
Returned to me with tidings of the child,
Writ for my use, the careful chronicle
Of prattle, with whatever pretty message
She had devised to send me: as she grew
I watched her, taught her, was her friend; and while