_June 6, 1901._[1]
Dear Hilda:
Let me begin by sending you both, in the name of my sisters too,
heartfelt wishes of happiness on the birth of your second son. We hope
from our hearts that he may become just such a sweet, healthy little
fellow as his brother, who will grow in time into a fine man, and make
you both right proud.
How does our little friend act under his new dignity of big brother?
Does he not want to play with Alfred right away? The little one is too
eager, is it not true?
A May child! De Genestet has written such a beautiful poem about that;
the ending is sad but I fervently hope that the prayer of the poet in
the last two couplets may be fulfilled for your May child. Although
naturally you know the lines yourself, I cannot help repeating them
again here:
"De God der lente spreide[2]
U rozen voor den voet
De God der liefde leide
U sachtkens, trouw en goed!
Bloei in uw vaders gaarde,
Bloei aan uw moeders zij
Hun schoonste bloem op aarde,
Gij, knaapje van den Mei!"
I hear you laugh when you have read the verses, how foolish, eh? but do
not be surprised at them, all old aunts become more or less sentimental,
and to that category belongs she who now writes.
[1] To Mevrouw de Booij-Boissevain.
[2]
"May the God of springtime spread, Roses before your feet, May the God
of love lead and Keep you gentle, true and good!
Bloom in your father's garden, Bloom at your mother's side, The
loveliest flower on earth to them, Thou little blossom of May!"