Miscellaneous Pieces in Verse and Prose ‎#129

129. To an infant three weeks old

Can I bid thee, lovely stranger,
Welcome to a world of care?
Where attends thee many a danger,
Where awaits thee many a snare?

Hence, away, ye dark surmizes,
Hope presents a fairer scene;
Many a blooming pleasure rises,
Many a sunbeam shines serene.

O may providence defend thee!
Circled in its guardian arms,
Dangers may in vain attend thee,
Safe amid surrounding harms.

Shall I wish the world caressing?
Wish thee pleasure, grandeur, wealth?
No—but many a nobler blessing;
Wisdom, virtue, friendship, health.

May'st thou know the gracious donor,
Early know, and love and praise!
Then shall real wealth and honour,
Peace and pleasure crown thy days.

Text Information

• First Line: Can I bid thee, lovely stranger
• Title: To an infant three weeks old
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1780

Tune Information

(No tune information)