Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Barry Cornwall 1787–1874

Golden-Tressed Adelaide

CornwllB

SING, I pray, a little song,

Mother dear!

Neither sad nor very long:

It is for a little maid,

Golden-tressed Adelaide!

Therefore let it suit a merry, merry ear,

Mother dear!

Let it be a merry strain,

Mother dear!

Shunning e’en the thought of pain:

For our gentle child will weep,

If the theme be dark and deep;

And we will not draw a single, single tear,

Mother dear!

Childhood should be all divine,

Mother dear!

And like an endless summer shine;

Gay as Edward’s shouts and cries,

Bright as Agnes’ azure eyes:

Therefore, bid thy song be merry:—dost thou hear,

Mother dear?