THE following Poems were, with scarcely an exception, addressed to individuals, or suggested by actual occurrences. They have, however, little or nothing of an occasional character certainly are never without a general interest. CHILDHOOD. OH what a wilderness were this sad world And every feeling in itself confiding, Yet never single, but continuous, gliding A seraph clips the Empyreal! Such man was TO AN INFANT. WISE is the way of Nature, first to make A thing that we may love as soon as see, And, sinless, bear'st the penalty of sin; And yet as quickly wilt thou smile again Of breath from steel. So may the peace within In thy ripe season re-assert its reign. TO AN INFANT. SURE 'tis a holy and a healing thought That fills my heart and mind at sight of thee, Thou purest abstract of humanity. Sweet infant, we might deem thy smile was brought From some far distant Paradise, where nought Forbad to hope whate'er of good may be, Where thou could'st know, and feel, and taste, and see That innocence which, lost, is vainly sought In this poor world. Yet, if thou wert so good As love conceives thee, thou had'st ne'er been born; For sure the Lord of Justice never would Exile perfection to an earth forlorn. VOL. II. I |