54
TO MY LITTLE SON.
Then when the crushing blow came down
That withered every ray of hope,
I met alone the cold world's frown,
Drank to the dregs that bitter cup.
That withered every ray of hope,
I met alone the cold world's frown,
Drank to the dregs that bitter cup.
Before the tempest passed away,
Or hushed the tumult of my bosom wild,
How fervently I tried to pray,
That God would be a father to my child.
Or hushed the tumult of my bosom wild,
How fervently I tried to pray,
That God would be a father to my child.
My orphaned ones I trembling led
Unto the Gate of Heaven,
To dedicate them to my God,
On a calm, bright Sabbath even.
Unto the Gate of Heaven,
To dedicate them to my God,
On a calm, bright Sabbath even.
You side by side before the altar stood,
The mystic waters sprinkled on your brow;
I rested then upon the promised word
That He would keep and bless my darlings now.
The mystic waters sprinkled on your brow;
I rested then upon the promised word
That He would keep and bless my darlings now.
Many years since then have fled
On the swift-winged messenger away,
And daring deeds, I fear may lead
Your pure young thoughts astray.
On the swift-winged messenger away,
And daring deeds, I fear may lead
Your pure young thoughts astray.
But if a mother's prayers can keep
Thee safe from sin and harm,
I'd bend the knee, I'd give my life,
To shield thee from the cold world's frown.
Thee safe from sin and harm,
I'd bend the knee, I'd give my life,
To shield thee from the cold world's frown.
