I

Baby mine. Oh baby mine!
Shall I see those eyes of thine
Seriously on me bent,
Ever wise, but innocent
Nevermore?
Shall I hear thy tiny feet
In their ceaseless, tireless, beat
Nevermore?
Shall I hear thy joyous cries
Gurgling o'er some new surprise,
Artless with thy baby art
Making music in my heart
Nevermore?

II

Shall I wake to find thee prest
Close against my mother breast,
See thee smiling in thy sleep
Dreamful, an angel blest, and deep,
Nevermore?
Shall I hear thy prattle dear
Faltering secrets in my ear
Nevermore?
Shall I kiss away thy tears,
Drive away thy baby fears,
At thy feet my homage pay,
Live for thee from day to day,
Nevermore?