DEAR Fanny! nine long years ago, While yet the morning sun was low, And rosy with the Eastern glow The landscape smiled -- Whilst lowed the newly-waken'd herds -- Sweet as the early song of birds, I heard those first, delightful words, "Thou hast a Child!" Along with that uprising dew Tears glisten'd in my eyes, though few To hail a dawning quite as new To me, as Time: It was not sorrow -- not annoy -- But like a happy maid, though coy, With grief-like welcome even Joy Forestalls its prime. So mayst thou live, dear! many years, In all the bliss that life endears, Not without smiles, nor yet from tears Too strictly kept: When first thy infant littleness I folded in my fond caress, The greatest proof of happiness Was this -- I wept. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LINES ON CARMEN SYLVA by EMMA LAZARUS THE CHURCH FLOORE by GEORGE HERBERT UPON THE NIPPLES OF JULIA'S BREAST by ROBERT HERRICK FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 2 by WALT WHITMAN LINES TO BE SPOKEN BY THOMAS DENMAN.....WHEN FOUR YEARS OLD by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD ENVOI: DEATH (2) by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) THE IVORY GATE; AN UNFINISHED DRAFT by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |