Twelve

Beauty that Parent is to deathless Rhyme ‘
Was Manhood’s maker : you shall bear a Son,
Till Daughters linked adown admiring time
Fulfil the mother, handing Beauty on.
You shall by breeding make Life answer yet,
In Time’s despite, Time’s jeer that men go void ;
Your stamp of heaven shall be more largely set
Than my one joy, ten thousand times enjoyed.

The glories of our state and its achievement,
Which wait their passing, shall not pass away.
I will extend our term beyond bereavement,
And launch our date into a dateless day.
For you shall make rec6rd, and when that’s sealed
In Beauty made immortal, all is healed.

Hilaire Belloc