The Mother's Heart

I

Whe first thou camest, gentle, shy, and fond,
     My eldest-born, first hope, and dearest treasure,
My heart received thee with a joy beyond
     All that it yet had felt of earthly pleasure;
Nor thought that any love again might be
So deep and strong as that I felt for thee.

II

Faithful and true, with sense beyond thy years,
     And natural piety that lean'd to Heaven;
Wrung by a harsh word suddenly to tears,
     Yet patient of rebuke when justly given --
Obedient -- easy to be reconciled --
And meekly-cheerful -- such wert thou, my child!

Caroline Norton