The king looked on him with gracious eyes, So from the palace he rode away. There was trouble and need in the town that day; 66 'Help!" cried the mother with sorrow wild, "Help me, Sir Knight, to seek my child! The hungry wolves in the forest roam; Help me to bring my lost one home!" He shook her hand from his bridle rein: "Alas! poor mother, you ask in vain. Some meaner succor will do, maybe, Some squire or varlet of low degree. There are mighty wrongs in the world to right; I keep my sword for a noble fight. I am sad at heart for your baby's fate, One wintry night when the sun was set, So on he rode in his armor bright, His sword all keen for the longed-for fight. "Laugh with us-laugh!" cried the merry crowd. "Oh! weep!" wailed others with sorrow bowed. 66 Help us!" the weak and weary prayed, But for joy, nor grief, nor need he stayed. And the years rolled on, and his eyes grew dim, And he died—and none made moan for him. He missed the good that he might have done, He that is faithful in that which is least "GIVE, AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE." A FLOWER, on the bank of a brooklet, Just give me a taste of fresh water, 66 As swiftly you hurry by ?" I've only enough for myself," said the Brook, "And naught for charity." "O Cloud," said the Brook, "remember I'm expected soon at the sea, And I'm almost out of fresh water Then, O Cloud, remember me." "I've nothing to give," said the Cloud, "unless "Tis a little sympathy." "O Sea," said the Cloud, "you're rich and full, You can give me all I need; If I had a quarter as much as you, All cries for help I'd heed." "I haven't too much," said the Sea, "and then "Tis my duty to feed." "Sweet Flower," said the Bee," just give me a taste Of the honey within your cup." But drawing nearer, the Bee perceived The Flower was all withered up. So he said no more, sought beyond A better place to sup. The Sun was sailing along in the sky, And the gasping Sea, as restless quite And he smiled a smile, so bright and warm, The Cloud supplied the Brook's need, Our hearts are hard as the cold, hard stones, Till the Sun of Righteousness arise, Our selfishness to see. Let us pray, my friend, for a bright, warm smile To fall on you and me. THE TWO LITTLE STOCKINGS. Two little stockings hung side by side, "Ho, ho!" said he, with a laugh of fun, So he crept up close to the chimney-place, "Aha! what's this?" said he, in surprise, "The other stocking you see on the wall And help to make her Christmas bright. Saint Nicholas brushed a tear from his eye, When down came two of the funniest mortals 66 Hurry up," said Saint Nick, and nicely prepare All a little girl needs where money is rare." |