THREE WISHES.

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HREE children once, on a bright summer

 

 

day,

Having fairly tired themselves out at
play,

Lay down on the banks of a rippling

stream,
To dream of the future as young hearts dream,
And tell over, each to the other, again
The deeds they would do when they were men,

The first one carelessly lifted his head,

And his dark eye flashed as he proudly said:

‘‘ A few short years, and the sound of my name

Shall ring through the earth on the voice of fame !

I will lead men on the field afar ;

I will come from thence with the spoils of war !

A mighty power will I hold in my hand,

Thousands shall wait on my least command.

The fairest and bravest to me shall bend,

Craving the life that is mine to lend ;

And the laurel wreath, and the sounding lay,

And the rush of proud music shall greet my way.”
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