TO FLORENCE (On Her Tenth Birthday.)

I am very sad and lonely, dear, Do you care for what I say? I once had a beautiful baby— But now she has gone away. To-day I went up to the garret, And there in a chest I found Little shirts, little shoes and stockings And a dainty little gown. Scarcely large enough for your dolly Are the things she used to wear,— Do you know where has gone my baby, My baby—with soft, brown hair? She was such a beautiful baby— I had thought to keep her so, But she slipped away with each passing day And I did not see her go. * * * * * * * Then I had a child, as lovely As my babe had seemed to me; But she is gone and I gaze through tears But her face I may not see. I remember her childish prattle, The wonderful things she’d say, Her winsome smile and her merry laugh— Now, why did she go away? Her hair was soft as the thistle’s down, But the sunshine lingered there And wreathed such glory about her brow As I never have seen elsewhere. In the garret we put her high-chair, And saved her rattle and ball, But she never came back to claim them And all in vain was my call. * * * * * * * “I will not go and leave you As the others went away.” Yes, I hear what you are saying, dear, That you will be sure to stay. * * * * * * * It must be that I was dreaming Of days that have passed away— What is it, my own little daughter, You are ten years old, to-day? Yes, nestle up closer, my darling, You have banished all my care,— For you are my beautiful baby And my child with the sunlit hair. As I look in your soft, brown eyes, dear, My baby’s face I see, And I know not what to call you, now Save my blessed trinity.