TO

THE BEREAVED AND SORROWING PARENT,

THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS DEDICATED.

If it shall serve to soften the shadows of sad hours, by awakening the echoes of pleasant voices that have passed away from earth, or brighten the faith of the stricken and wounded heart, it will have accomplished its mission,- ful

filled its purpose.

1849.

M. A. H.

The Farewell to the Dead. (Extract.)..... Mrs. Hemans.

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The Flower, Rainbow, Bird, and Star...... Mrs. M. N. McDonald. 53

The Child and the Mourner. (Extract.)... Charles Mackay.

THE REAPER AND THE FLOWERS.

THERE is a Reaper whose name is Death,
And, with his sickle keen,

He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,
And the flowers that grow between.

"Shall I have naught that is fair?" saith he, "Have naught but the bearded grain ?

Though the breath of these flowers is sweet to me,

I will give them all back again.'

He gazed at the flowers with tearful eyes,

He kissed their drooping leaves;

It was for the Lord of Paradise

He bound them in his sheaves.

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