Dear little child, whose very speech
Gives me joy beyond my heart's measure,
However far my years may reach,
Life can offer no greater treasure.

Loveliest flower in my garden of dreams!
Mine have been sweet like fairy stories ---
But of all that have come true, it seems
Your babyhood brought the greatest glories.

All my life long I have tried to make
Dreams in a perfect song go winging;
I knew the wonder when you spake,
And your life went a lyric singing.