The Baby Darling

As soon as she had opened eyes on him, She closed those eyes to all the world beside, And her soul crazed, a-doting on her jewel,-- Her jewel in a golden cradle set; Opening and shutting which her day's delight, To gaze upon his heart-inflaming cheek-- Upon the darling whom, could she, she would Have cradled as the baby of her eye. In rose and musk she wash'd him--to his lips Press'd the pure sugar from the honeycomb; And when, day over, she withdrew her milk, She made, and having laid him in, his bed, Burn'd all night like a taper o'er his head.

Then still as morning came, and as he grew, She dressed him like a little idol up; On with his robe--with fresh collyrium dew Touch'd his narcissus eyes--the musky locks Divided from his forehead--and embraced With gold and ruby girdle his fine waist.