Book 2 — SONNET[154:2]
Reading edition
SONNET[154:2]
TO A FRIEND WHO ASKED, HOW I FELT WHEN THE NURSE FIRST PRESENTED MY INFANT TO ME
Charles! my slow heart was only sad, when first I scann'd that face of feeble infancy: For dimly on my thoughtful spirit burst All I had been, and all my child might be! But when I saw it on its mother's arm, 5 And hanging at her bosom (she the while Bent o'er its features with a tearful smile) Then I was thrill'd and melted, and most warm Impress'd a father's kiss: and all beguil'd Of dark remembrance and presageful fear, 10 I seem'd to see an angel-form appear— 'Twas even thine, belovéd woman mild! So for the mother's sake the child was dear, And dearer was the mother for the child.
1796.
FOOTNOTES:
LINENOTES:
Title] To a Friend who wished to know, &c. MS. Letter, Nov. 1, 1796: Sonnet x. To a Friend 1797: Sonnet xix. To a Friend, &c. 1803.
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4
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child] babe MS. Letter, 1796, 1797, 1803.
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5
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saw] watch'd MS. Letter, 1796.
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11
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angel-form] Angel's form MS. Letter, 1796, 1797, 1803.
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13
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Comforts on his late eve, whose youthful friend. MS. correction by S. T. C. in copy of Nugae Canorae in the British Museum.