Queen-bird, that sittest on thy shining nest <br />And thy young cygnets without sorrow hatchest, <br />And thou, thou other royal bird, that watchest <br />Lest the white mother wandering feet molest: <br />Shrined are your offspring in a crystal cradle, <br />Brighter than Helen's ere she yet had burst <br />Her shelly prison. They shall be born at first <br />Strong, active, graceful, perfect, swan-like, able <br />To tread the land or waters with security, <br />Unlike poor human births, conceived in sin, <br />In grief brought forth, both outwardly and in <br />Confessing weakness, error, and impurity. <br />Did heavenly creatures own succession's line, <br />The births of heaven like to yours would shine.<br /><br />Charles Lamb<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-the-sight-of-swans-in-kensington-gardens/
