1854
On the fifth of chill November
Came my Amie unto me,
Adding one more lovely member
To my numerous family.
Daughter, thou art welcome truly
To the care we can bestow;
May we do our duty duly
While we stay with thee below.
Think not, daughter, we will slight thee,
Since so many claim our love;
Gladly—wish we to delight thee,
As we look for help Above.
Thou art to us, little charmer,
Dear as any child we own;
And our love to each grows warmer
For the sorrows we have known.
Take then, daughter, take our blessing,
It comes forth from loving hearts;
Though we shrink hot from confessing
Oft we fail to act our parts.
TO FREDRIC
Fred, thou art six months old
This very day!
And I no more withold
From thee a lay.
That rosy, smiling face—
Thou need not fear—
Has weeks since claimed a place
'Midst "rhyming gear."
Thy winning, childish pranks
Make further claim
To set thee in the ranks
Of infant fame.