When fell disease her empire spread, And sickness droop’d my infant head, Who then the tear of sorrow shed? My Mother. Who watch’d my cradle ev’ry hour, And importun’d Almighty Power, Upon her babe his gifts to shower? My Mother. At length, when pain had fled away, And rosy health resum’d her sway, Who prais’d her God for that blest day? My Mother. When first my lisping accents came, And call’d mamma’s beloved name, Who felt a transport thrill her frame? My Mother. And when I stept from chair to chair, Who watched my steps with anxious care, Lest I should fall and hurt a hair? My Mother. And oh! Who would my food provide, And little errors gently chide, And dress me with maternal pride? My Mother. Who would my young ideas hoard, A tale of rapture to afford, When guests assembled at the board? My Mother. Who taught my bosom to rejoice In God alone, who hears my voice, And makes His ways my pleasant choice? My Mother. Affection’s tear would gem her eye, And who for me would heave the sigh, Or wing a secret wish on high? My Mother. O! she was kind and good indeed, Who gave me books that I might read, And taught me all my Christian creed! My Mother. Then let my grateful voice proclaim, (For else I should be much to blame) How much I love thy honour’d name, My Mother. And should I live to see thee old, O! may’st thou then in me behold, Whate’er thy fondest hopes foretold, My Mother. And may that pow’r which rules above, The wish record, thy pray’r approve, That you may share my filial love, My Mother. MY BROTHER. Who shar’d with me our parents’ love, And when my tender limbs could move, Would all my infant ways approve? My Brother. Who strove to give my heart delight, Would blow for me balloons so bright, And fly his flutt’ring paper kite? My Brother. For he was never rude or rough, And who would make me laugh enough, When we were playing blindman’s buff? My Brother. And if perchance he heard me cry, O! who would to my succour fly, And gently wipe my streaming eye? My Brother. And who would tell me pleasing tales, How Vice the wrath of heaven assails, And Virtue ev’ry where prevails? My Brother.