This day, whate’er the Fates decree/ Shall still be kept with joy by me

by chuckofish

Today is daughter #1’s birthday! Although September 11 has been ruined to some extent by the heinous events of 2001, we will endeavor to celebrate anyway. Because if anyone deserves a party, it is she.

This day, whate’er the Fates decree,

Shall still be kept with joy by me:

This day then let us not be told,

That you are sick, and I grown old;

Nor think on our approaching ills,

And talk of spectacles and pills.

To-morrow will be time enough

To hear such mortifying stuff.

Yet, since from reason may be brought

A better and more pleasing thought,

Which can, in spite of all decays,

Support a few remaining days:

From not the gravest of divines

Accept for once some serious lines.

–Jonathan Swift, “Stella’s Birthday, March 13, 1727”