Warned we not their footsteps back,
When upon the narrow track
Near the precipice they stray.
Children of the earth are we,
Small and brown and ill to see;
Still our tiny lamps we trim;
Children, let not yours grow dim!”
“We have got no lamps, you stupid little glow-worms,” said Hal, “unless you call this Star of Love that we carry a lamp. But couldn’t you sing something more lively to us?” he added. Then the glow-worms brightened up and sang to a merry tune:—
“Oh! stay, ye children, stay,
And listen to our song,