I was the eldest of the three,

And to uphold and cheer the rest 70

I ought to do—and did—my best,

And each did well in his degree.

The youngest, whom my father loved

Because our mother’s brow was given

To him—with eyes as blue as heaven— 75

For him my soul was sorely moved;

And truly might it be distrest

To see such bird in such a nest;