Blair Collection > Poems and songs

THREE SONNETS. 35
THREE SONXETS
ON THE BAPTISM OF EDITH CONSTANCE COLQUHOUN.
I.
Edith, sweet child, as on thy fair young brow
So softly tails the pure baptismal shower,
May Heaven record and seal the solemn vow,
And bless thee -vx-ith a moi'e than earthly dowei'.
Not as the insect of the passing hour,
That lightly dances in the noonday ray,
Nor as the summer's gaily painted flower.
That gives its gladness but one fleeting day.
Be thy life, Edith, good and pure alway ;
In storm or calm mayst thou be ever found
A noble woman treading duty's round.
Strong as an oak — soft as the rose of May.
Enjoy thy youth — be happy ; yet maintain
A soul washed pure from sin's defiling stain.
Pure as the snow upon the mountain top,
Be thou, sweet child, thro' all the changeful years.
Life-giving as the evening's crystal drop
To those the hot noon of the world sears ;
Breathing all sweetness that a soul endears
To Heaven's white throng or to the good on earth,
Soothing rude sorrows, smiling away tears,
Making an Eden round their own dear hearth,
Where wisdom, smiling amidst thoughtful mirth.
Will clothe thee in serenity and peace ;
From carking cares will give thy soul release.
Duties well done to daily joys give birth.
The wealth won in the shadow of the Cross
Makes crowns and empires seem but passing dross.
I might have wished thee a moi'e joyons life,
Queen-leader of the festive throng or dance,
Instead of urging thee unto the strife
To fight life's battles with thy fragile lance.