Letters of a Javanese princess/Chapter 20

by Raden Adjeng Kartini

XX^[1]

June 6, 1901.

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 vader's gaarde,

Bloei aan uw moeders zij

Hun schoonste bldem 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 Mevrouwde 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!"