THE FOUR GIFTS.
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A new-born babe was sleeping Within its cradle fair, And angel guards were keeping Its peaceful slumbers there.
Gone was the age of fairies, And of the elfins wild, Who, hovering o'er the infant's couch, Were wont to bless the child.
But in a distant city, Fays that still glad the earth, Four gentle little children, Hailed with delight his birth.
Out spake the eldest sister, "O, let us fairies play, And give to our young brother Some precious gift to-day.
"Sit down around the fireside, And I my gift will tell." And the little children sat them down The fancy pleased them well.
Again thus spake the eldest, "I 'll give him beauty rare; His eyes shall be as diamonds bright, His brow like marble fair.
"He shall have golden ringlets, His cheeks shall mock the rose; And he shall be the loveliest Where'er his light form goes."
The next replied, "Oh! sister, Not such a gift is mine; For beauty's charms, though lovely, Must perish and decline.
"I'll give him wit and talents; In manhood he shall stand Among the gifted and the wise, That bless our native land."
"I'll give him sweet good-temper," Said the third loving child; "He shall make glad our happy home By actions kind and mild."
The youngest raised her wondering eyes, And said, in accents low, "I thought the gift I chose would be The first that you 'd bestow.
"I'll give our little brother Obedience to-day, And he shall mind, with cheerfulness, All that our parents say."
Oh! blessed is the childish heart, In life's first opening dawn, For all its high and holy thoughts From heavenly founts are drawn.
May our most valued blessings be Obedience and love! Our hearts, like that sweet sister's, full Of teachings from above! | |
