A speaker lovingly coaches a “pretty child” to approach the infant Jesus with simple gifts. The child is to present a flower and explain it as a living token of the Rose of Sharon, then tuck it into Christ’s bib or stomacher. The gift turns practical—a new whistle made from a clean oat reed to calm the baby’s crying—and the child admits having no coral teething toy, though would give one if possible. This confession links them: both child and Saviour are poor, even moneyless. The tone is gentle, intimate, and almost playful, yet deeply reverent. Everything builds to the final, breathless hope: if the child can steal a single kiss from Christ’s mellifluous lips, never ask for a second, so the first impression stays perfect. The mood is one of hushed wonder and affectionate devotion, as if we are peeking into the earnest tenderness of a very young worshiper.
TO HIS SAVIOUR, A CHILD;A PRESENT, BY A CHILD — Summary
Go, pretty child, and bear this flower Unto thy little Saviour; And tell him, by that bud now blown, He is the Rose of Sharon known. When thou hast said so, stick it there Upon his bib or stomacher; And tell him, for good handsel too, That thou hast brought a whistle new, Made of a clean straight oaten reed, To charm his cries at time of need; Tell him, for coral, thou hast none, But if thou hadst, he should have one; But poor thou art, and known to be Even as moneyless as he. Lastly, if thou canst win a kiss From those melifluous lips of his;-- Then never take a second on, To spoil the first impression.