_Three Years Old_

Written upon Eva Orton's third birthday.

A robin up in the linden-tree Merrily sings this lay: "Somebody sweet is three years old-- Three years old to-day." Somebody's bright blue eyes look up Through tangled curls of gold, And two red lips unclose to say-- "To-day I am free years old."

Clouds were over the sky this morn, But now they are sailing away; Clouds could never obscure the sun On somebody sweet's birthday. Bluest of skies and greenest of trees, Sunlight and birds and flowers, These are Nature's birthday gifts To this sweet pet of ours.

The pantry is brimming with cakes and creams For somebody's birthday ball. Papa and mamma bring their gifts, But their love is better than all. Ribbons and sashes, and dainty robes, Gifts of silver and gold, Will fade and rust as the days go by, But their hearts will not grow cold.

Then laugh in the sunlight, somebody sweet-- Little flower of June! You have nothing to do with care, For life is in perfect tune. Loving hearts and sheltering arms Shall keep old care away For many a year, from somebody sweet, Who is three years old to-day.

Milwaukee, June 26, 1873