English poem
TO AMELIA
by Thomas Cowherd (1817–1907)
On the fifth of chill November Came my Amie unto me, Adding one more lovely member To my numerous family.
Daughter, thou art welcome truly To the care we can bestow; May we do our duty duly While we stay with thee below.
Think not, daughter, we will slight thee, Since so many claim our love; Gladly—wish we to delight thee, As we look for help Above.
Thou art to us, little charmer, Dear as any child we own; And our love to each grows warmer For the sorrows we have known.
Take then, daughter, take our blessing, It comes forth from loving hearts; Though we shrink hot from confessing Oft we fail to act our parts.