FOR CHILDREN, 309

The noble boy stood bravely up,
His cheek unblanched with fear ;
“ Shoot straight,” he cried, “thine aim is sure
It will not fail thee here.”

« Heaven bless thee now,” the parent said,
“Thy courage shames me quite ;”
Then to his ear the shaft he drew,
And watched its whizzing flight.

*’Tis done, tis done, the child is safe !
Shouted the multitude:

‘ Man tramples on his brother man
But Gop is ever good.”

For, sure enough, the arrow went,
As by an angel guided ;

In pieces two, beneath the tree,
The apple fell divided.

* Twas bravely done,” the ruler said,
“ My plighted word I keep ;
"Twas bravely done by sire and son—
Go home, and feed your sheep.”

“No thanks I give thee for thy boon,
The peasant coldly said ;

“ To God alone my praise is due,
And duly shall be paid.

“ Yet know, proud man, thy fate was near,
Had I but missed my aim ;
Not unavenged my child had died,
Thy parting hour the same.