Poetry for children

Chapter 34: DIALOGUE BETWEEN A MOTHER & CHILD

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About This Book

This collection assembles short, simple poems and dialogues written for young readers, many by Mary with contributions from Charles, presenting playful scenes of childhood, sibling banter, moral fables, religious reflections, and observations of nature and daily life. Pieces range from light verse about losing baby teeth, toys, and first sights of green fields to didactic fables and tender portraits of family affection, occasionally adapting biblical or anecdotal material. Language is plain and rhythmic, with occasional ballads and moral lessons aimed at cultivating kindness, cleanliness, courage, and sympathy while celebrating imagination and domestic intimacy.

DIALOGUE
BETWEEN A
MOTHER &
CHILD

XXXII

Child.

O lady, lay your costly robes aside,

No longer may you glory in your pride.

Mother.

Wherefore to-day art singing in mine ear

Sad songs, were made so long ago, my dear?

This day I am to be a bride, you know,

Why sing sad songs, were made so long ago?

Child.

O Mother, lay your costly robes aside,

For you may never be another’s bride.

That line I learn’d not in the old sad song.

Mother.

I pray thee, pretty one, now hold thy tongue,

Play with the bride-maids, and be glad, my boy,

For thou shalt be a second father’s joy.

Child.

One father fondled me upon his knee,

One father is enough, alone, for me.