Mary Lamb (1764-1847). A Child. J. C. Squire, ed. 1921. A Book of Women's Verse

J. C. Squire, ed. A Book of Women’s Verse. 1921.

A Child

By Mary Lamb (1764–1847)


A CHILD ’s a plaything for an hour;
Its pretty tricks we try
For that or for a longer space—
Then tire, and lay it by.

But I knew one that to itself	5
All seasons could control;
That would have mock’d the sense of pain
Out of a grievéd soul.

Thou straggler into loving arms,
Young climber-up of knees,	10
When I forget thy thousand ways
Then life and all shall cease.