A BIRTH-DA? BALLAD. 
BY MISS JBWSBTTB.Y. 
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. 
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