Wandering in gladness-But these blinding tears, Why will they thus gush forth, though richer hope appears?
Far other land thy happy feet have trod,
Far other scenes thy tender soul has known--
The golden city of the eternal God,
The rainbow-splendours of the eternal throne. Through the pearl gate how lightly hast thou flown!
The streets of lucid gold-the chrysolite
Foundations have received thee-dearest one! That thought alone can break affliction's might, Feeling that thou art blest, my heart again is light.
Thanks to the framer of life's mystery! Thanks to the illuminator of the grave! Vainly on time's obscure and tossing sea Hope did I seek, and comfort did I crave; But He who made, neglecteth not to saveMy child!—thou hast allied me to the blest : I cannot fear what thou didst meekly brave; I cannot cease to long with thee to rest; And heaven is doubly heaven with thee, with thee possessed.
"BLESS thee; may Heaven bless thee, my sweet boy,"
My fond heart whispers oft, when none can hear :
Bless thy young face, thy speaking glance of joy,
Thy glowing cheek, where childhood's transient tear
Seldom hath dimmed the smile, to me so dear;
Thy voice, whose bird-like music doth proclaim
The untaught gladness springing in thy breast;
Or now in murmuring tones thy mother's name
Breathes from thy parted lips, when gently pressed
With kiss of holiest love, she lays thee down to rest.
And when by sleep's soft touch thy laughing eyes
Are lightly closed, lingering, I love to gaze
Upon thy peaceful beauty, till arise
Bright visions o'er my soul of future days,
Of boyhood's fearless truth and well-earned praise,—
Of youth's first pure and ardent love of all
The good and beautiful in nature found,-
Of manhood, foremost at his country's call,
Her freedom to defend, and see unbound
Chains, which too long have borne her children to the
Thus doth my hopeful fancy dare to trace
The bright perspective of approaching years;
For how can I behold that tranquil face,
And think care's withering touch or sorrow's tears
Must quench its light?-But why these boding fears?
I know that thou in life's distress must share,
But at thy side, the cherished of thy love,
A fond and faithful one I picture there,
Whose gentle voice each sorrow shall remove,
Or lead thy chastened heart to rest in God above!
BEAUTIFUL baby, where art thou?
What is thy little pastime now?
Who at this moment is caressing
The fondly loved, the first-born blessing?
Is it papa, with vig'rous dancing,
Thine eyes with timid pleasure glancing,
While added bloom adorns thy cheek,
And seems of "fearful joy to speak?”
Ah! soon with pain is pleasure bought,
And early is the lesson taught !
Or seated on thy mother's knee,
Dost thou some new discovery see-
Some sight thou'st never seen before,
Some object glitt❜ring on the floor,
Some little scrap of gaudy hue,
Some toy just placed within thy view?
Or do sweet sounds attract thine ear,
Some words of fondness whispered near,
Some pretty song of ancient story,
Some tale of pussy and her glory,
While thou display'st thy little store
Of knowledge and of learned lore?
Or does some latent power within
Its influence now first begin,
Excite thee with a glad surprise,
And animate thy soft blue eyes,
Urge thee to efforts strange and new,
And bring some fresh exploit to view?
Gifts from on high bestowed on thee,
Thou heir of immortality!
O ye, to whom the task is given
To guide the little feet to Heaven,
Check the first step that goes astray,
And early teach them virtue's way!
Rugged sometimes may be the road
That leads to her divine abode,
And sometimes clouds may intervene,
And darken the surrounding scene,
And for a moment hope may fail,
And terrors may the soul assail :—
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