Classic Poem

( " L'humble chambre a l'air de sourire. " )

Faint smiles the humble little room;
On an old chest some roses blush:
Beholding here dissolve night's gloom,
Priests had said, Peace! and women, Hush!

Yonder what small recess is seen,
Whereto the tenderest radiance creeps?
O more than angel-guard serene!
Aurora watches; baby sleeps.

Deep in that nook a tiny thing
Lies lulled within a cradle white;
Amid the shadow quivering
Heaven only knows with what delight.

Lo, in her dimpled hand tight-prest
She holds a toy, sweet source of mirth!
Cherubs in heaven with palms are blest,
Babies with rattles upon earth.

What sleep is hers! Ah, who dare say
What dreams make such smiles come and go;
Haply she sees some bright dawn-way
With angels passing to and fro.

Her rosy arm moves momently
As if to wave some sweet adieu;
Gentle her breathing as may be
A butterfly's amid the blue.

Aurora's loth to chase those dreams:
Naught's so august, so pure, so mild,
As this bright eye of God that beams
Upon the closed eyes of a child.