"God comfort thee dear mother,
For sorrow sad and deep
Is lying heavy on thy heart
And this hath made thee weep.
"There is a Father o'er us, mother,
Who orders for the best
And peace shall come ere long, mother,
And dwell within thy breast.
"Then let us journey onward, mother,
And trustfully abide,
The coming forth of good or ill
Whatever may betide."
Helpfulness was encouraged in the Alcott household; habits of industry were carefully fostered. The Alcott children worked when they worked, played when they played, but wasted hours were unknown. They were taught to make the most of every day. When Anna was seventeen she wrote in her diary:
August, 1848.
Thursday 17th.
Lizzy and I are making plans for spending our days usefully. Here is mine.
Plan.
Rise at half past 4, bathe, dress and walk till half past 5.
Dress and bathe the children.
Breakfast at 7. Work till 9. School till 12. Work till 2.