Classic Poem

An Indian Mother's Lament

My new-born Babe! why doth thy Mother weep,
In grief to see thee cradled in thy tomb?
The little bird when grown hath food to seek,
And in the desert bitter grains are found!—
Thine eyes have not known tears, nor hath thy heart
To Man's destroying breath yet been exposed
The fragrant rose that withers in the bud,
With all its sweet perfume doth pass away,
As thou, my Boy, with all thine innocence
Ah! thou art happy! thou hast only known
A Mother's kisses and a Mother's smiles.