Once a Week (magazine)/Series 1/Volume 7/"Parvuli"

by Astley Henry Baldwin

“PARVULI.”

 

I.

Streameth the sunset through the pane,
Glitter the drops of summer-rain,
That, soothing, fall in sparkling shower
Upon the couching Passion-flower.

 

II.

And round the sill the roses peep,
Their heavy petals ripe for sleep;
And through the half-drawn blind I see
The white clematis spy at me.

 

III.

As pensive, but not sad, I muse
Upon—a tiny pair of shoes!
A tiny white-laced frock. Ah! well,
I love the pretty “bagatelle!”

 

IV.

A cradle-couch beside my knee,
A tiny home of mystery;
The little fingers in their clasp
The coverlid unconscious grasp.

 

V.

As yet unwaked, the soul within
Her Chrysalis lies slumbering.
The first-blush of that opening rose—
Who dreams what in the casket grows?

 

VI.

A solemn trust!—and yet how dear!
Ah! but for children blooming here,
This earth a joyless earth would be,
And life itself a vacancy!

 

VII.

’Tis little fingers mould us all,
’Tis little voices heavenward call,
’Tis little hearts that Heaven prepare,
And little angels lead us there!

Astley H. Baldwin.