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Hie HpAtE Py Gs Eee ee ah @yMiee

Q" the happy little home when the sun shone out,
And the busy little mother got the children all about,

And Johnny fetched the water, and Tommy brought the wood,
And Billy Boy tied both his shoes, as every laddie should —

And Danny rocked the cradle with a clatter and a song,
To make the little sister grow so pretty and so strong.

Oh! the sweet-peas and the morning-glories climbing round the door,
And the tender vine of shadow with its length across the floor!

Oh! the “ pinies,” and the roses, and the quiver of the grass,
And the cheery call of friendship from the neighbors on the pass!

Oh! the scuffle, and the shouting, and the little mother’s laugh
As a rabbit starts up somewhere and her “ great helps”’ scamper off.

Oh! the happy little home when the twilight fell,
And all along the meadow rang the old cow bell,

With a tinkle that is music through the rushing of the years —
And I see the little mother in the tremble of the tears.