Nor knew that 'round the cradle stood,
To bless the babe, three Fairies good.

The First bent over the cradle head;
"These are my gifts to her," she said:

"A sunny nature, a voice of song,
And may faithful friends uncounted throng!"

The Second murmured in accents low:
"The path will be steep and rough, I know,

"So I give her a heart that is brave and strong,
That will patiently work, though the way be long;

"And though life may fill them with toil and care
Her hands shall weaker ones' burdens share."

Then stood the Third for a moment's space
To thoughtfully gaze on the baby face,

And over her own a radiance came
As she softly said: "My gift is a name.

"Though born while the earth lies spread with
snow
The babe is a summer-child, and so

"The sunny nature, the voice of song,