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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO A CHILD WITH BLACK EYES AND GOLDEN HAIR by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN FIRST, ON THAT FAIR MORN OF MAY
Last Line: TO EARTH'S SERENE AFFECTIONS TOO.
Subject(s): CHILDREN; CHILDHOOD;

WHEN first, on that fair morn of May,
Thou cam'st across my pilgrim way,
My joy was shaded by much fear;
Thy hair, all made of very light,
Seemed almost too supremely bright
For earth, -- I asked Why wert Thou here?

But when I watched those eyes below,
So clear, yet darkling like the flow
Of waters in a silent cave;
I felt they were of human birth,
Of Earth, though of the best of Earth;
Quietly lucid, sweetly grave.

Dear child! by Nature double-dowered,
Thee I would surely deem empowered
A great ensample-work to do;
To show that Man, however crowned
With rays of Heavenly Love, is bound
To Earth's serene Affections too.



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