A Birthday Present

```Say what, to please you, you would have me be.

Then listen, dear!

I fain would have you very fair to see,

And sweet to hearyou.

`You should have Aphrodite's form and face,

With Dian's tread;

And something of Minerva's lofty grace

Should crown your head.

`Summer should wander in your voice, and Spring

Gleam in your gaze,

And pure thoughts ripen in your heart that bring

Calm Autumn days.

`Yours should be winning ways that make Love live,

And ne'er grow old,

With ever something yet more sweet to give,

Which you withhold.

`You should have generous hopes that can beguile

Life's doubts and fears,

And, ever waiting on your April smile,

The gift of tears.

`You should be close to us as earth and sea,

And yet as far

As Heaven itself. In sooth, I'd have you be

Just what you are.