```Say what, to please you, you would have me be.'' <br />Then listen, dear! <br />I fain would have you very fair to see, <br />And sweet to hear. <br /> <br />`You should have Aphrodite's form and face, <br />With Dian's tread; <br />And something of Minerva's lofty grace <br />Should crown your head. <br /> <br />`Summer should wander in your voice, and Spring <br />Gleam in your gaze, <br />And pure thoughts ripen in your heart that bring <br />Calm Autumn days. <br /> <br />`Yours should be winning ways that make Love live, <br />And ne'er grow old, <br />With ever something yet more sweet to give, <br />Which you withhold. <br /> <br />`You should have generous hopes that can beguile <br />Life's doubts and fears, <br />And, ever waiting on your April smile, <br />The gift of tears. <br /> <br />`You should be close to us as earth and sea, <br />And yet as far <br />As Heaven itself. In sooth, I'd have you be <br />Just what you are.'<br /><br />Alfred Austin<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-birthday-present-2/
