University of Virginia Library

ON BEING PRESENT AT THE NAMING OF A BEAUTIFUL CHILD.

The Spirit of the Babe, 'tis said, ascends
More welcome, when the Priest his succour lends;
When hallow'd Drops by sacred hands are spread,
The blessed Cross beams lambent o'er the head.
But surely Thou, sweet Infant, hadst found Grace,—
Cherub already opening in thy Face,—
Had no such mark of the Baptismal Vow
Been gently sprinkled on thy polish'd Brow;
The Sire and Son, upon their starry Throne,
Long ere this Morn had “mark'd thee for their own.”
Yet, ah! may Heav'n awhile its claim forgo,
And spare thee to thy Parents here below!