Today's Beautiful Gem: `Lullaby' by Richard Verstegan from the `Odes' (1601).

"Upon my lap my sovereign sits
And sucks upon my breast.
Meanwhile his love sustains my life,
And gives my body rest.
Sing lullaby, my little boy,
Sing lullaby, my only joy.

"When thou hast taken thy repast,
Repose, my babe, on me;
So may thy mother and thy nurse
Thy cradle also be.
Sing lullaby, my little boy,
Sing lullaby, my only joy.

"I grieve that duty doth not work
All what my wishing would,
Because I would not be to thee
But in the best I should.
Sing lullaby, my little boy,
Sing lullaby, my only joy.

"Yet as I am, and as I may,
I must and will be thine,
Though all too little for thyself,
Vouchsafing to be mine.
Sing lullaby, my little boy,
Sing lullaby, my only joy."

Note: Please remember that when festivals like Christmas, Krishnashtami
or Buddhajayanti are celebrated, we commemorate birthdays of children
(earthly and heavenly) who became later apostles of love, wisdom and peace.
Celebrate the innocence, love and frankness of children in the ensuing
holidays.

Om s'aantih: Peace! - J. K. Mohana Rao

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