6. DEATH OF THE NEW-BAPTIZED. "The dew of Thy birth is of the womb of the morning." WHAT purer brighter sight on earth, than when Hid in some nook from all but Angels' ken, And with his radiance bathes it through and through, Then into realms too clear for our frail view Exhales and draws it with absorbing love? And what if Heaven therein give token true Of grace that new-born dying infants prove, Just touched with JESUS' light, then lost in joys above? **. Cradle Songs. 1. THE FIRST SMILE.* "Post et ridere cæpi; dormiens primo, deinde vigilans."-August. Confess. 1. 8. TEARS from the birth the doom must be It comes in slumber, gently steals *For this Poem the Author is indebted to a dear friend. Closed eyelids, limbs supine, and breath So still, you scarce can calm the doubt If life can be so like to death 'Tis life, but all of earth shut out. 'Tis perfect peace; yet all the while O'er marble brow, and dimpled chin Mantles and glows that radiant smile, Noting the spirit stirred within. Oh dim to this the flashing ray, 'Tis childish sport, or frolic mirth, Or if in pensive wise it creep, With gradual light and soberer grace, Yet shades of earthly sorrow sleep, Still sleep upon his beauteous face. The First Smile. But did the smile disclose a dream Of bliss that had been his before? Was it from heaven's deep sea a gleam Or told some Angel from above Or, thought of trial for her breast, Thou shalt be ours, dear child, again? "Thou shalt be ours, and heaven be thine, Sent a brief while on earth to shine, "And her that folds thee now so warm, And haply thinks 'twere death to part, Her shall a holier love inform, A clearer faith enlarge her heart." 21 With eager speed they ready make Soft bosom and safe arm, As though such burthen once to take A blessing were and charm. And ever as with hastening wing By power of that first wondrous spring Easier each hour the task will grow, Oh, while your hearts so blithely dance Will ye not say, "God speed the time Shall lean from their high place, |