Classic Poem

Fair child, little sweet-minded maid,
So low by thy mother's full height;
So quick by thy father, now staid;
Beside his full weight now so light —
With fairness unfull, though so fair
— Lyddy Lee —
Of grief ever small be thy share.

Thou now hast a father to find
Thy life-good, while thou winnest nought;
And mother, with wise-thoughted mind,
To think for thy own childish thought;
Thou now hast thy elders to keep
— Lyddy Lee —
Thy life both awake and asleep.

O long may'st thou live on below
Their o'erwatching love and their sight,
And long may thy happiness show
Their hopes all fulfilled to their height;
And may a true soul, in their stead,
— Lyddy Lee —
When they may be gone, shield thy head.

May evil ne'er fall on a limb
Of thy joy-quicken'd shape, now so fair;
Nor e'er may thy looks become dim
With saddening sorrow and care;
Each day of thy joy we will take
— Lyddy Lee —
As one that is blest for thy sake.