A little girl named Babbles grows up before our eyes in five quick snapshots. At one, she is just learning to sit up; by two, she walks as confidently as any adult; at three, she drinks tea with a teaspoon; at four, she can open the front door; and by six, she ties her own shoes. The speaker clearly finds her both funny and impressive, giving her mock-grand titles like “Her Highness” and “Her Majesty” as she masters each new skill. The quick rhyming couplets keep the mood light, almost like a nursery rhyme. The tone is warm and playful, like a proud parent or family friend gently teasing a beloved child. The final lines add a wink of affectionate worry: “Babbles, Babbles, have a care, / You will soon put up your hair!” Growing up, it suggests, is delightful but also a little too fast.
On a Young Lady's Sixth Anniversary — Summary
Baby Babbles--only one, Now to sit up has begun.
Little Babbles quite turned two Walks as well as I and you.
And Miss Babbles one, two, three Has a teaspoon at her tea.
But her Highness at four Learns to open the front door.
And her Majesty--now six, Can her shoestring neatly fix.
Babbles, Babbles, have a care, You will soon put up your hair!