A BIRTH-DAF BALLAD. 



BY MISS JEWSBURY. 



Thou art plucking spring roses, Genie, 



And a little red rose art thou, 

 Thou hast unfolded to-day, Genie, 



Another bright leaf, I trow ; 

 But the roses will live and die, Genie 



Many and many a time, 

 Ere thou hast unfolded quite, Genie 



Grown into maiden prime. 



Thou art looking now at the birds. Genie, 

 But, oh ! do not wish their wing ! 



That would only tempt the fowler, Genie, 

 Stay thou on earth and sing ; 



Stay in the nursing nest, Genie, 

 Be not soon thence beguiled, 



Thou wilt ne'er find a second, Genie, 



Never be twice a child. 

 110 



