Part 22 (1/2)

A HOME SONG

I read within a poet's book A word that starred the page: ”Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage!”

Yes, that is true, and something more: You'll find, where'er you roam, That marble floors and gilded walls Can never make a home.

But every house where Love abides, And Friends.h.i.+p is a guest, Is surely home, and home-sweet-home: For there the heart can rest.

”LITTLE BOATIE”

A SLUMBER-SONG FOR THE FISHERMAN'S CHILD

Furl your sail, my little boatie; Here's the haven still and deep, Where the dreaming tides in-streaming Up the channel creep.

Now the sunset breeze is dying; Hear the plover, landward flying, Softly down the twilight crying; Come to anchor, little boatie, In the port of Sleep.

Far away, my little boatie, Roaring waves are white with foam; s.h.i.+ps are striving, onward driving, Day and night they roam.

Father's at the deep-sea trawling, In the darkness, rowing, hauling, While the hungry winds are calling,-- G.o.d protect him, little boatie, Bring him safely home!

Not for you, my little boatie, Is the wide and weary sea; You're too slender, and too tender, You must bide with me.

All day long you have been straying Up and down the sh.o.r.e and playing; Come to harbour, no delaying!

Day is over, little boatie, Night falls suddenly.

Furl your sail, my little boatie, Fold your wings, my weary dove.

Dews are sprinkling, stars are twinkling Drowsily above.

Cease from sailing, cease from rowing; Rock upon the dream-tide, knowing Safely o'er your rest are glowing, All the night, my little boatie, Harbour-lights of love.

1897.

A MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY

Lord Jesus, Thou hast known A mother's love and tender care: And Thou wilt hear, While for my own Mother most dear I make this birthday prayer.

Protect her life, I pray, Who gave the gift of life to me; And may she know, From day to day, The deepening glow Of joy that comes from Thee.

As once upon her breast Fearless and well content I lay, So let her heart, On Thee at rest, Feel fear depart And trouble fade away.

Ah, hold her by the hand, As once her hand held mine; And though she may Not understand Life's winding way, Lead her in peace divine.

I cannot pay my debt For all the love that she has given; But Thou, love's Lord, Wilt not forget Her due reward,-- Bless her in earth and heaven.