M. L. C.'s Birthday Crown

Only just a line to say,
Miriam, on this summer day,
What my spirit's love would breathe,
While thy birthday crown I wreathe.
Crown ! How many a mingled thought
By that little word is brought !
Yet may each enlinked be
In a birthday wish for thee.
One who wears a crown should reign
Sovereign over some domain ;
Held by thee, love's fairy sway
Still may every heart obey.

First we think of royal gems,
Coronets and diadems ;
'Twere an idle wish, I ween,
Be thou happy as a Queen :
To another crown we turn,
While our loving hearts would burn,
Worn by Him who on the tree,
Miriam, hath died for thee.
By that thorn-enwoven crown,
By the life for thee laid down,
May thy every fleeting year
Bring thee to His love more near !

Then the crown of golden light,
Worn by those who walk in white,
May that be thy blest reward
In the presence of thy Lord !