Poems (Charlotte Allen)/To an Infant Son of my Brother

by Charlotte Allen

TO AN INFANT SON OF MY BROTHER.

Welcome, welcome little stranger,
 We are joyed to meet thee;
Welcome to this earthly dwelling,
 All with pleasure greet thee.

Here are hearts with love o'erflowing,
 Here are minds to bless thee;
Affection's gifts to thee bestowing,
 All ready to caress thee.

Little spirit sent from Heaven,
 To increase our pleasure,
Hearts with love to thee are swelling,
 Lovely little treasure.

Like to a dew-drop from above,
 In purity thou art;
A valued gem from yon bright sky,
 To sparkle in each heart.

Thou 'st brought a chain from realms on high,
 And with it thou hast bound us;
'T is firm and fast, unfading too,
 And finely fettered 'round us.

And as each passing day and year,
 Thy mental flowers expand,
Oh, may it be thy parent's care,
 To trace with careful hand

Upon the pages of thy mind,
 Precepts of truth divine;
Guide thee aright in future years,
 And guard their little vine.

Heaven smiled on the momentous hour,
 That gave thy spirit birth,
And placed thee here a little bud,
 To blossom on the earth.