Page:Scenes in my Native Land.pdf/190

186 Here too, was many a place of cheer, And pastime with my playmate dear, And lo! this vernal sun serene Erst brought her day of birth I ween. When she was crowned our fairy queen, And featly led the charmed ring With childhood's joyous banqueting.

Once, on this morn so sweetly fair, Yon ancient dome was sad with care, While hurrying step, and stifled word, From darkened room were faintly heard, And missed the household many a day, Their Lady from her place away. But when again, she cheered the scene At hearth and board, with brow serene, And paler cheek, and saintlier air, Wrapped in her arms, a babe she bare, Gentle and pure, as snow-drop frail, That shrinks to meet the chilling gale, While often o'er its cradle bowed The stately father, fond and proud.

Swift fled a happy year, and lo!— Ere the young spring-flowers 'gan to blow, That bud of being, opening fair, Inhaled affection's balmy air, And wondrous change, like fairy-tale, Passed o'er that form, so slight and pale.