Charles! my slow heart was only sad, when first <br />I scanned that face of feeble infancy; <br />For dimly on my thoughtful spirit burst <br />All I had been, and all my babe might be! <br />But when I saw it on its Mother's arm, <br />And hanging at her bosom (she the while <br />Bent o'er its features with a tearful smile), <br />Then I was thrilled and melted, and most warm <br />Impressed a Father's kiss: and all beguiled <br />Of dark remembrance, and presageful fear, <br />I seemed to see an Angel's form appear-- <br />'Twas even thine, beloved Woman mild! <br />So for the Mother's sake the Child was dear, <br />And dearer was the Mother for the Child.<br /><br />Samuel Taylor Coleridge<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-xix-to-a-friend-who-asked-how-i-felt-when-the-nurse-first-presented-my-infant-to-me/
