Classic Poem

S OME three-score years and ten ago
A prince was born at Florida, Mo.,
And though he came incognito ,
With just the usual yells of woe,
The watchful fairies seemed to know
Precisely what the row meant;
For when he was but five days old,
(December fifth as I've been told,)
They pattered through the midnight cold,
And came around his crib, to hold
A Council of Endowment. "

" I give him Wit, " the eldest said,
And stooped above the little bed,
To touch his forehead round and red.
" Within this bald, unfurnished head,
" Where wild luxuriant locks shall spread
" And wave in years hereafter,
" I kindle now the lively spark,
" That still shall flash by day and dark,
" And everywhere he goes shall mark
" His way with light and laughter. "

The fairies laughed to think of it
That such a rosy, wrinkled bit
Of flesh should be endowed with Wit!
But something serious seemed to hit
The mind of one, as if a fit
Of fear had come upon her.
" I give him Truth, " she quickly cried,
" That laughter may not lead aside
" To paths where scorn and falsehood hide, —
" I give him Truth and Honour! "

" I give him Love, " exclaimed the third;
And as she breathed the mystic word,
I know not if the baby heard,
But softly in his dream he stirred,
And twittered like a little bird,
And stretched his hands above him.
The fairy's gift was sealed and signed
With kisses twain the deed to bind:
" A heart of love to human-kind,
" And human-kind to love him! "

" Now stay your giving! " cried the Queen.
" These gifts are passing rich I ween;
" And if reporters should be mean
" Enough to spy upon this scene,
" 'Twould make all other babies green
" With envy at the rumour.
" Yet since I love this child, forsooth,
" I'll mix your gifts, Wit, Love and Truth,
" With spirits of Immortal Youth,
" And call the mixture Humour! "

The fairies vanished with their glittering train;
But here's the Prince with all their gifts, — Mark Twain .