Poems (Blake)/At a Baptism
AT A BAPTISM.
Dark-eyed baby Natalie, With all pure things in accord,— On this Sabbath of the Lord,Unto Him we offer thee!Rich in all thy baby charms,In His temple to His armsDo we bring thee, asking thereFuller meed of faith and prayer,Safer guidance, richer grace,Than our mortal hands may trace.
Had we lived in other climes,Fairer scenes and older times,Long ago when Fairy QueensMingled in our earthly scenes,—On this day what gifts most sweetWould be piled before thy feet!Dower of love, and length of days,Fadeless beauty, winning ways,Philters rich in magic artConquering for thee every heart, Or some charm of power untoldChanging all thy words to gold.
Bonny baby Natalie!Fairies still are left for thee,In the arts of love more strongThan the elves of tale and song;All too poor to them do seemEarthly gift and earthly dream;All too short earth's transient hope,For the soul's immortal scope;So to-day their hearts have flownOn strong wings to God's white throne,And in guerdon full and free,Opened heaven itself to thee,Dark-eyed baby Natalie.