51
While from the soul affection pure
Glows o'er that faded cheek,
And virtues, which the heart allure,
Thine aspect mild bespeak.
Glows o'er that faded cheek,
And virtues, which the heart allure,
Thine aspect mild bespeak.
Though fled the early grace which twined
Around that blooming form,
The virtues of the fadeless mind
Yield a diviner charm.
Around that blooming form,
The virtues of the fadeless mind
Yield a diviner charm.
Though cares which age alone can bring,
May those bright beauties shade,
Still in thy heart, affection's spring,
Are joys that never fade.
May those bright beauties shade,
Still in thy heart, affection's spring,
Are joys that never fade.
When thy loved infant's opening powers
Disclose the dawning mind,
What pleasure cheers the lonely hours,
With hope's bright garlands twined!
Disclose the dawning mind,
What pleasure cheers the lonely hours,
With hope's bright garlands twined!
And when its first soft accents breathed
Its uttered love to thee,
What visions thy fond fancy wreathed
Of peace and purity!
Its uttered love to thee,
What visions thy fond fancy wreathed
Of peace and purity!
Its blooming aspect bright with bliss,
The music of its voice,
The fragrance of its rosy kiss
A mother's heart rejoice.
The music of its voice,
The fragrance of its rosy kiss
A mother's heart rejoice.
