To a Young Child.
By D. Martin, of Mobile .
Thou hast a clear, unsullied brow,
A bright and dreaming eye,—
And a spirit free and chainless,
As cherubs in yon sky!
The meteor lights of intellect,
Glance lightly on thee now,
And play like fairy revellers,
Upon thy parian brow!
Well, be it so—and may thy life
Be like a summer stream,
That sparkles into gladness,
Beneath the sun's bright beam.
May thy brow ne'er wear the coloring
Of passion's stern commotion,—
Which darkens many a God-like one,
While on life's stormy ocean!
May the sunny hours of childhood
Be the last to pass away,—
And the setting sun of life's dark night,
Dawn on a brighter day!
For the Southern Literary Messenger.
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