My Grand-daughter

Who, with her little smiling face,
Gives light and joy to every place,
And fills it with a gentle grace?
My Mary!

"Who, with her softly murmuring coo,
Heard all your smothering kisses through,
Wins you her little will to do?
My Mary!

Who in your neck so sweetly tries
To hide those darkly roguish eyes,
Then lifts them up, and laughs surprise?
My Mary!

Who, high in air with bounding spring,
As if she were upon the wing,
Leaps in your arms, the pretty thing?
My Mary!

Who to her mother's bosom clings,
As if she folded up her wings
To listen, while that mother sings?
My Mary!

Who in her father's arms doth keep
Bright vigil, till the dews of sleep
Her little silken eyelids steep?
My Mary!

Who lets her tiny fingers close
On grandpapa's too tempting nose,
Pulls off his spectacles and crows?
My Mary!

Who, with her thumb content, can spare
A smile for every human care,
And gently takes her little share?
My Mary!

Who in all arms so kindly stays,
And kicks and crows, and sweetly plays,
And wins all hearts with pretty ways?
My Mary!

Who is our household's joy and pride.
And, of all other babes beside,
The dearest in the whole world wide?
My Mary!