To a Usurper

Aha! a traitor in the camp,
 A rebel strangely bold,--
A lisping, laughing, toddling scamp,
 Not more than four years old!

To think that I, who've ruled alone
 So proudly in the past,
Should be ejected from my throne
 By my own son at last!

He trots his treason to and fro,
 As only babies can,
And says he'll be his mamma's beau
 When he's a "gweat, big man"!

You stingy boy! you've always had
 A share in mamma's heart;
Would you begrudge your poor old dad
 The tiniest little part?

That mamma, I regret to see,
 Inclines to take your part,--
As if a dual monarchy
 Should rule her gentle heart!

But when the years of youth have sped,
 The bearded man, I trow,
Will quite forget he ever said
 He'd be his mamma's beau.

Renounce your treason, little son,
 Leave mamma's heart to me;
For there will come another one
 To claim your loyalty.

And when that other comes to you,
 God grant her love may shine
Through all your life, as fair and true
 As mamma's does through mine!

1885.