On The Birth Of A Child, A Few Days After The Death Of A First Poem by Christian Milne

ADDRESSED TO THE PARENTS.

THIS happy change will teach the pious mind
What all should own, that GOD is ever kind!
How very late you mourn'd your darling's death--
With heartfelt woe you saw her latest breath!
Your human nature wish'd to grasp her still--
Religion taught submission to His will,
Who orders all for our eternal good,
And sends affliction for our mental food.
Her infant prattle and engaging arts,
Had bound her fast to your paternal hearts;
From such a source, how could your tears but flow!
The hand that rais'd, now mitigates your woe.
May this sweet stranger, whom you have receiv'd,
Now heal the wounds of minds so lately griev'd;
Wise may she tread on life's vexatious stage,
Your youth to comfort, and support your age!