ONLY THE CHILDREN.

White Ribbon, Volume 23, Issue 265, 18 July 1917, Page 3

ONLY THE CHILDREN.

Beneath an ancient, widespread tree, Which cast a pleasant shade, Five children, full of ninth and glee, (>n«* sunn\ morning played. Loud were tin* sounds of merriment \\ hich o’er that dais> cl field they sent; For then’s were hearts untouched by care, And eyes that seldom owned a tear, “What arc these sounds," asked one, “I hear?” Only the children playing there! Only the children! Years have flown Since that bright summer day, And those have men and women grow n Who then were at then play. The eldest of that little band, W ho threw the ball with skilful hand. And rolled the hoop by far the best, His country now attempts to guide And fashion laws, whic h when applied Shall aid and succour the distrest. The next a gay, laugring girl, With blue* and sparkling eye, W hose hair was always out of curl, W hose frock was oft awry— Is now a lady full of grace, In whom you scarcely now can trace* The want of care that marked her youth; And to whose gifted pen we owe Some sweet and simple tales, which show How lovely is the way of truth. The youngest- gentle .is a dove. As sweet as she was fair, W ho gave her doll suc h words of love, And nursed it with such care, — Far from the scenes of early life*, K now a missionary’s wife, And <ft her wearied husband cheers, Together patiently they toil, And hope to reap, on Indian soil, The seed which they have sown in tears. Only the children ! Yes, they seem But c iphers unto some, But I. who often sit and dream Of things that arc* to come. In children, full of healthful glee. Our future generation see. Mighty for good, or else for ill! (iod bless and guide them, so that ♦hey May scatter blessings o’er life’s way. And all His wise behests obev!