Volume 6 — Blessing on a Child.

And the bonnie babe! on her All your choicest gifts confer; Just as much of wit and sense As may be hers without pretence— Just as much of grace and beauty As shall not interfere with duty— Just as much of sprightliness As may companion gentleness— Just as much of firmness, too, As with self-will has naught to do— Just as much light-hearted cheer As may be melted to a tear By a word, a tone, a look, Pity’s touch, or Love’s rebuke— As much of frankness, sweetly free, As may consort with modesty— As much of feeling as will bear Of after life the wear and tear— As much of life—but, fairies! there Ye vanish into thinnest air; And with ye parts the playful vein That loved a light and trivial strain. Befits me better, babe! for thee T’ invoke Almighty agency— Almighty love—Almighty power, To nurture up the human flower; To cherish it with heavenly dew, Sustain with earthly blessings too; And, when the ripe, full time shall be, Engraft it on eternity.