THE CRADLE SONG OF THE POOR. USH! I cannot bear to see thee Stretch thy tiny hands in vain; Dear, I have no bread to give thee, Nothing, child, to ease thy pain! When God sent thee first to bless me, Proud, and thankful too, was I; Sleep, my darling, thou art weary; I have watched thy beauty fading, Famine makes thy father reckless, Hope has left both him and me; We could suffer all, my baby, Had we but a crust for thee. Sleep, my darling, thou art weary; Better thou shouldst perish early, Starve so soon, my darling one, Than in helpless sin and sorrow Vainly live as I have done. Better that thy angel spirit With my joy, my peace, were flown, Sleep, my darling, thou art weary; I am wasted, dear, with hunger, Where no want or pain can be. Sleep, my darling, thou art weary; Such the plaint, that late and early, Every heart, like God's bright Angel, God has glory when his children Listen, nearer while she sings BE STRONG. E strong to hope, oh Heart! The stars can only shine In the dark night. Be strong, oh Heart of mine, Look towards the light! Be strong to bear, oh Heart! Strive not, for life is care, And God sends pain, Heaven is above, and there Be strong to love, oh Heart! Love knows not wrong, Didst thou love-creatures even, Life were not long; Didst thou love God in Heaven, GOD'S GIFTS. OD gave a gift to Earth :-a child, It lay so helpless, so forlorn, She it first a tarnished name, gave For heritage, a tainted fame, Then cradled it in want and shame. All influence of Good or Right, |