On the Birthday of Catherine of Braganza

By Mrs. Knight

Which is also St. Catherine’s Day.

Catherine of Braganza, the wife of Charles II., was born on Nov. 25, 1638.

THIS happy day two lights are seen—

A glorious saint, a matchless queen;

Both named alike, both crowned appear—

The saint above, the Infanta here.

May all those years which Catherine

The martyr did for heaven resign

Be added to the line

Of your blest life among us here!

For all the pains that she did feel,

And all the torments of her wheel,

May you as many pleasures share!

May heaven itself content

With Catherine the saint!

Without appearing old,

An hundred times may you,

With eyes as bright as now,

This happy day behold!