Thomas Hardy

To C.F.H.

   On Her Christening-Day

Fair Caroline, I wonder what
You think of earth as a dwelling-spot,
And if you’d rather have come, or not?

To-day has laid on you a name
That, though unasked for, you will claim
Lifelong, for love or praise or blame.

May chance and change impose on you
No heavier burthen than this new
Care-chosen one your future through!

Dear stranger here, the prayer is mine
That your experience may combine
Good things with glad. . . . Yes, Caroline!