Mother's Treasures

Two little children sit by my side, I call them Lily and Daffodil; I gaze on them with a mother's pride, One is Edna, the other is Will. Both have eyes of starry light, And laughing lips o'er teeth of pearl. I would not change for a diadem My noble boy and darling girl. To-night my heart o'erflows with joy; I hold them as a sacred trust; I fain would hide them in my heart, Safe from tarnish of moth and rust. What should I ask for my dear boy? The richest gifts of wealth or fame? What for my girl? A loving heart And a fair and a spotless name? What for my boy? That he should stand A pillar of strength to the state? What for my girl? That she should be The friend of the poor and desolate? I do not ask they shall never tread With weary feet the paths of pain. I ask that in the darkest hour They may faithful and true remain. I only ask their lives may be Pure as gems in the gates of pearl, Lives to brighten and bless the world -- This I ask for my boy and girl. I ask to clasp their hands again 'Mid the holy hosts of heaven, Enraptured say: "I am here, oh! God, "And the children Thou hast given."