Fond parents swayed my every thought; No blame I feared, no praise I sought, But what their love bestowed. Full soon I learn'd each meaning look, Nor e'er the angry glance mistook For that where rapture glowed.
Whene'er night's shadows called to rest, I sought my father, to request His benediction mild. A mother's love more loud would speak; With kiss on kiss she'd print my cheek, And bless her darling child.
Thy lightest mists and clouds, sweet sleep! Thy purest opiates thou dost keep, On infancy to shed. No guilt there checks thy soft embrace, And not e'en tears and sobs can chase Thee from an infant's bed.
The trickling tears which flow'd at night, Oft hast thou stay'd, till morning light Dispell'd my little woes. So fly before the sunbeam's power The remnants of the evening shower Which wet the early rose.
Farewell, bless'd hours! full fast ye flew; And that which made your bliss so true Ye would not leave behind. The glow of youth ye could not leave; But why, why cruelly bereave Me of my artless mind?
Fond mother! hope thy bosom warms, That on the prattler in thy arms Heaven's choicest gifts may flow. Thus let thy prayer incessant rise To Him, who, thron'd above the skies, Can feel for man below.
"Oh! Thou, whose view is ne'er estrang'd From innocence, preserve unchang'd Through life my darling's mind; Unchang'd in truth and purity, Still fearless of futurity, Still artless, though refin'd.
"As oft his anxious nurse hath caught And sav'd his little hand that sought The bright, but treacherous blaze; So, let fair Wisdom keep him sure From glittering vices which allure, Through life's delusive maze.
Oh! may the ills which man enshroud, As shadows of a transient cloud, But shade, not stain my boy. Then may he gently drop to rest, Calm as a child by sleep oppress'd, And wake to endless joy."