The Little Heir of Shame

He was a little heir of shame — his birth
Announced by peevish voices, and his death
Welcomed by all; he staid not long on earth,
Nor vex'd them long with his fast-fleeting breath;
He felt their blows, too young to feel their scorn;
How that poor babe was beaten and reviled,
Because, albeit so mischievously born,
He wail'd as loudly as a lawful child!
They hurried to the goal his faltering pace;
Full soon they bore him to his mother's grave;
No more for other's sin accounted base,
In Paradise he shows his harmless face;
The Saviour flinches not from his embrace,
But gives him all his infant-heart can crave.