Poems — Mother's Treasures

MOTHER'S TREASURES.

Two little children sit by my side, I call them Lily and Daffodil;

I gaze on them with a mother's pride, One is Edna, the other is Will.

Both have eyes of starry light, And laughing lips o'er teeth of pearl.

MOTHER'S TREASURES.

57 I would not change for a diadem My noble boy and darling girl.

To-night my heart o'erflows with joy;

I hold them as a sacred trust;

I fain would hide them in my heart, Safe from tarnish of moth and rust.

What should I ask for my dear boy?

The richest gifts of wealth or fame?

What for my girl?

A loving heart And a fair and a spotless name?

What for my boy?

That he should stand A pillar of strength to the state?

What for my girl?

That she should be The friend of the poor and desolate?

I do not ask they shall never tread With weary feet the paths of pain.

I ask that in the darkest hour They may faithful and true remain.

I only ask their lives may be Pure as gems in the gates of pearl, Lives to brighten and bless the world-- This I ask for my boy and girl.

58 THE REFINER'S GOLD.

I ask to clasp their hands again 'Mid the holy hosts of heaven, Enraptured say: "I am here, oh!

God, "And the children Thou hast given."

THE REFINER'S GOLD.