English poem
Second Voice
by Mary Howitt (1799–1888)
“Rejoice, rejoice, fond mother, Thou hast given birth, To this immortal being, To this sweet child of earth!
“The pearl within the ocean, The gold within the mine, Have not a thousandth part the worth Of this fair child of thine!
“Oh fond and anxious mother, Look up with joyful eyes, For a boundless wealth of love and power In that young spirit lies!
“Love to enfold all natures In one benign embrace; Power to diffuse a blessing wide O’er all the human race!
“Bless God both night and morning; Be thine a joyful heart; For the child of mortal parents hath With the Eternal part.
“The stars shall dim their brightness; And as a parched scroll The earth shall fade, but ne’er shall fade The undying human soul!
“Oh then rejoice fond mother, That thou hast given birth To this immortal being, To this fair child of earth?”