SONNET

TO A FRIEND WHO ASKED
HOW I FELT WHEN THE NURSE
FIRST PRESENTED MY INFANT TO ME

Charles! my slow heart was only sad, when first

　I scann'd that face of feeble infancy:

For dimly on my thoughtful spirit burst

　All I had been, and all my child might be!

But when I saw it on its mother's arm,

　And hanging at her bosom (she the while

　Bent o'er its features with a tearful smile)

Then I was thrill'd and melted, and most warm

Impress'd a father's kiss: and all beguil'd

　Of dark remembrance and presageful fear,

　I seem'd to see an angel-form appear—

'Twas even thine, belovéd woman mild!

　So for the mother's sake the child was dear,

And dearer was the mother for the child.

1796