W. V.

If not without the blameless human tears

By eyes which slowly glaze and darken shed,
Yet without questionings or fears

For those I leave behind when I am dead.
Thou, Abba, know’st how dear

My little child’s poor playthings are to her ;
What love and joy

She has in every darling doll and precious toy ;
Yet when she stands between my knees

To. kiss good-night, she does not sob in sorrow,
' Oh, father, do not break or injure these !”
She knows that I shall fondly lay them by
For happiness to-morrow ;

So leaves them trustfully. And shall not I?

Whatever darkness gather
O’er coverlet or pall,

Since Thou art Abba, Father,
Why should I fear at all?

Thou ’st seen how closely, Abba, when at rest
My child’s head nestles to my breast ;
148