  MY little maid, my little maid, You grow too old, I am afraid, Your birthday, is it? Tell me dear, How long ago did you come here? What? five to-day—how tall you grow! I wish time would not hurry so, I wish he’d just go on his way, Nor call on us for many a-day. Stay in the baby-world so new, Its flowers are drowning in the dew, Its paths are soft to tender feet, Stay in the baby-world my sweet! My little maid, my little maid, You grow too old, I am afraid, The questions trembling on your tongue Tell me you are no longer young, How many hours are in the year? How high up is the heaven clear? And do the ships, so big and grand Go sailing to some other land? Stay in the baby-world so new, Its flowers are drowning in the dew, Its paths are soft to tender feet, Stay in the baby-world, my sweet! My little maid, my little maid, You grow too old, I am afraid, The schoolhouse holds your steady gaze, Your mind is in a wondrous maze, So much to learn, so much to see, You’re just as busy as can be, My nursery rhymes have all been told, Red Riding-Hood will soon be old. Stay in the baby-world so new, Its flowers are drowning in the dew, Its paths are soft to tender feet, Stay in the baby-world my sweet! My little maid, my little maid, You grow too old, I am afraid, Your tender face it seems to me, Is filled full of expectancy. A spirit questioning, and wise Looks out at me from your dark eyes, Till I am fain to hold you fast And hide you while old Time goes past. Stay in the baby-world so new, Its flowers are drowning in the dew, Its paths are soft to tender feet, Stay in the baby-world my sweet! My little maid, my little maid, You grow too old, I am afraid, Five years! it seems a little while Since you came here with slow sweet smile On your wee mouth, your pretty chin, And each cheek with a dimple in, Your soft hands clutching at the air, Your birthright all our love and care. Stay in the baby-world so new, Its flowers are drowning in the dew, Its paths are soft to tender feet, Stay in the baby-world my sweet. [Decorative image unavailable.] |
|
