In place of the leaf so stained and blotted,
I gave him a new one all unspotted,
And into his sad eyes smiled—
“Do better now, my child.”
I went to the throne with a quivering soul,
The old year was done—
“Dear Father, hast Thou a new leaf for me,
I have spoiled this one?”
He took the old leaf, stained and blotted,
And gave me a new one all unspotted,