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A CHILD’S SMILE.
“For I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the
face of my Father which is in heaven.”
- A CHILD’S smile—nothing more;
- Quiet, and soft, and grave, and seldom seen;
- Like summer lightning o’er,
- Leaving the little face again serene.
- I think, boy well‐beloved,
- Thine angel, who did grieve to see how far
- Thy childhood is removed
- From sports that dear to other children are,
- On this pale cheek has thrown
- The brightness of his countenance, and made
- A beauty like his own—
- That, while we see it, we are half afraid,
- And marvel, will it stay?
- Or, long ere manhood, will that angel fair,
- Departing some sad day,
- Steal the child‐smile and leave the shadow care?
- Nay, fear not. As is given
- Unto this child the father watching o’er,
- His angel up in heaven
- Beholds Our Father’s face for evermore.
- And he will help him bear
- His burthen, as his father helps him now:
- So may he come to wear
- That happy child‐smile on an old man’s brow.
