With thy sweet smile, and gently heaving breast,
And the bright ringlets of thy clustering hair;
What shall I wish thee, little one? Smile on
Through childhood’s morn—through life’s gay spring—
For oh—too soon will those bright hours be gone!
In youth time flies upon a silken wing.
May thy young mind, beneath the bland control
Of education, lasting worth acquire;
May virtue stamp her signet on thy soul,
Direct thy steps, and every thought inspire!