XXVII
THANKSGIVING AFTER CHILDBIRTH
Composed 1842.—Published 1845
Woman! the Power who left his throne on high,
And deigned to wear the robe of flesh we wear,
The Power that thro' the straits of Infancy
Did pass dependent on maternal care,
His own humanity with Thee will share, 5
Pleased with the thanks that in his People's eye
Thou offerest up for safe Delivery
From Childbirth's perilous throes. And should the Heir
Of thy fond hopes hereafter walk inclined
To courses fit to make a mother rue 10
That ever he was born, a glance of mind
Cast upon this observance may renew
A better will; and, in the imagined view
Of thee thus kneeling, safety he may find.
FOOTNOTES:
[308] Compare Spenser's Epithalamion, stanza xl. ll. 216, 217—
The sacred ceremonies these partake,
The which do endlesse matrimony make;
Also, Southey's All for Love, or a sinner well saved, Part IV. stanza 46—
While they the sacred rites partake
Which endless matrimony make.—Ed.