Poems of Felicia Hemans in New Year's Gift, 1829/To a Child on his Birthday

by Felicia Hemans

For other versions of this work, see To a Child on his Birthday.

TO A CHILD ON HIS BIRTHDAY.

BY MRS. HEMANS.

I.
Where sucks the bee now? Summer is flying,
Leaves round the grass-plot, faded are lying;
Violets are gone from the grassy dell,
With the cowslip-cups, where the fairies dwell;
The rose from the garden hath passed away—
Yet this, happy fair boy! is thy natal-day.

II.
For love bids it welcome, the love which hath smiled
Ever around thee, my gentle child!
Watching thy footsteps and guarding thy bed,
And pouring out joy on thy sunny head.
Roses may vanish, but this will stay—
Happy and bright is thy natal-day!