THE CRADLE SONG OF THE POOR. USH! I cannot bear to see thee Stretch thy tiny hands in vain ; Nothing, child, to ease thy pain! 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, With my joy, my peace, were flown, Sleep, my darling, thou art weary; I am wasted, dear, with hunger, I have scarcely strength to press thee, Patience, baby, God will help us, 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, 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! Nothing is vain : 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, OD GOD'S GIFTS. gave a gift to Earth :-a child, Weak, innocent, and undefiled, Opened its ignorant eyes and smiled. It lay so helpless, so forlorn, She gave it first a tarnished name, For heritage, a tainted fame, Then cradled it in want and shame. All influence of Good or Right, |