186 DIFFERENT MINDS Some murmur when their sky is clear If one small speck of dark appear In their great heaven of blue; One ray of God's good mercy, gild In palaces are hearts that ask Such rich provision made. RICHARD CHEVENIX TRENCH 187 THE CAMEL'S NOSE Once in his shop a workman wrought, "My nose is cold," he meekly cried; Oh, let me warm it by thy side!" Since no denial word was said, In came the nose, in came the head; Aghast the owner gazed around, For in this place I choose to stay." O youthful hearts to gladness born, Lend neither ear, nor glance, nor smile; LYDIA H. SIGOURNEY 188 SUPPOSE Suppose the little cowslip Should hang its golden cup, And say, "I'm such a tiny flower, How many a weary traveller And many a little child would grieve Suppose the little breezes Upon a summer's day, Should think themselves too small to cool The traveller on his way; Who would not miss the smallest And softest ones that blow, Suppose the little dew-drop 66 Upon the grass should say, What can a little dew-drop do? I'd better roll away.". The blade on which it rested, Before the day was done, How many deeds of kindness Although it has but little strength, And little wisdom, too! It wants a loving spirit Much more than strength, to prove How many things a child may do For others, by its love. ANONYMOUS 189 EVERY LITTLE HELPS Suppose a little twinkling star, Away in yonder sky, Should say, What light can reach so far From such a star as I? Not many rays of mine so far I will not shine at all." Suppose a bright-green leaf that grows Upon the rose-bush near, Should say, "Because I'm not a rose, I will not linger here." Or that a dew-drop, fresh and bright Upon that fragrant flower, Should say, "I'll vanish out of sight, Suppose a little child should say, "Because I'm not a man, I will not try, in word or play, To do what good I can." Dear child, each star some light can give, Though gleaming faintly there; Each rose-leaf helps the plant to live; And our good Father, who's in Heaven, To every little child has given Kind deeds towards those with whom you live, Kind words and actions right, Shall, 'mid the world's worst darkness, give A little precious light. 190 SUPPOSE ANONYMOUS Suppose, my little lady, Your doll should break her head; And say you're glad 'twas Dolly's, Suppose you're dressed for walking, Because you scold and frown? For you to smile than pout, And so make sunshine in the house |