Classic Poem

I FELT the arms of little children clinging
About my throat a short, sweet while ago;
Within my heart I heard a father singing
The white, shy song that I may never know.

Dear chubby hands that dimple like pink roses
When dew-drops kiss them, as I bent to kiss,
What haughty-sceptered emperor imposes
Allegiance half so free and sure as this?

Blue baby eyes that open wide with wonder
And pure as just unfolded pansies are,
What spell is this ye put a strong man under, —
Is this the secret of the Wise Men's star?