Dedication [for Songs o’ the South; poem by William Blocksidge (William Baylebridge)]

[Editor: This poem by William Blocksidge (also known as William Baylebridge) was published in Songs o’ the South (1908).]

Dedication

In ages gone the reaper gave his grain,
The first-fruits of the harvest, full or mean,
In gratitude for gifts that his had been,
An offering at the Giver’s holy fane.

So here, my Mother: Though I should attain
To aught or naught, I bring thee what between
Its birth and second birth a mind has seen —
The first-fruits of the crop I hope to gain.

Source:
William Blocksidge, Songs o’ the South, London: Watts, 1908, p. vi

Editor’s notes:
All of the text of this poem was printed in italics.

aught = anything; anything at all, anything whatsoever

fane = a church or temple

Giver = in a religious context, and capitalized, a reference to God

naught = nothing; zero; failure, without result; lost, ruined (older meanings are: ruined, useless, worthless; morally bad, wicked)

thee = (archaic) you