THE PATTER OF LITTLE FEET. This child is our "speaking picture," (Our other one has wings,) His heart is a charmed casket, Full of all that's cunning and sweet, And no harp-strings hold such music As follows his twinkling feet. When the glory of sunset opens I see by the gates of pearl, And I ask to be taught and directed. From messengers trusty and fleet, On the starry floor of heaven, The patter of little feet. 13 14 TO MY GODCHILD, ALICE. TO MY GODCHILD, ALICE. ALICE, Alice, little Alice My new christened baby Alice, Can there ever rhymes be found Sure, this sweetest name must be A true omen to thee, Alice, Of a life's long melody. Alice, Alice, little Alice, May'st thou prove a golden chalice, From a fount Divine: Alice, Alice, little Alice, When this future comes to thee, In thy young life's brimming chalice Keep some drops of balm for me! Alice, Alice, little Alice, Mayst thou grow a goodly palace, Fitly framed from roof to floors, While high thoughts like angels enter PEASANT CHILDREN. At the open doors: Alice, Alice, little Alice, When this beauteous sight I see, In thy woman-heart's wide palace Keep one nook of love for me. Alice, Alice, little Alice,- God be with thee, little Alice, Of His bounteousness may He Fill the chalice, build the palace, Here, unto eternity! MISS MULOCH. PEASANT CHILDREN. EVERYWHERE, everywhere, Like the butterfly's silver wings, And the voice of the young heart's laughter, wild 15 16 PEASANT CHILDREN. The cradle rocks in the peasant's cot, For the sunny light of childhood's eyes They tell us that old Earth no more By angel feet is trod, They bring not now as they brought of yore The oracles of God. O, each of these young human flowers God's own high message bears, By stifling street and breezy hill That such bright shapes should linger till O, play not those a blessed part To whom the boon is given To leave their errand with the heart, And straight return to heaven! MARY HOWITT. THE CHILDREN'S PRAYER. THE CHILDREN'S PRAYER. BEAUTIFUL the children's faces! Spite of all that mars and sears: To my inmost heart appealing; Calling forth love's tenderest feeling: Steeping all my soul with tears. Eloquent the children's faces- Give us light amid our darkness; We are willing; we are ready; We would learn if you would teach; We have hearts that yearn towards duty; We have minds alive to beauty; Souls that any height can reach. Raise us by your Christian knowledge: 17 |