The Wonder-Child

'Our little babe,' each said, 'shall be
Like unto thee'--'Like unto thee!'
'Her mother's'--'Nay, his father's'--'eyes,'
'Dear curls like thine'--but each replies,
'As thine, all thine, and nought of me.'

What sweet solemnity to see
The little life upon thy knee,
And whisper as so soft it lies,--
'Our little babe!'

For, whether it be he or she,
A David or a Dorothy,
'As mother fair,' or 'father wise,'
Both when it's 'good,' and when it cries,
One thing is certain,--it will be
Our little babe.