THE LITTLE BROTHERS,

The noble boy amid his sports

Droop'd like a smitten flower

That feels the frost-king's fatal shaft,

And withers in its bower.

But then a younger darling sank

In childhood's rosy bloom,

And those whose hearts were one from birth,

Were brothers in the tomb.

Not in the tomb. Ah no! They rose

Through Christ their Saviour's love,

In his blest presence to cement

Their deathless bond of love.

Are they not dwelling side by side?

Have they not‘ scaped the strife,

The snares, the sins, the woes that stain

This pilgrimage of life?

Oh heart of sorrowing Love, be strong!

Tho’ tenderest ties are riven,

For do not earth's bereavments aid

The angel-chant of Heaven.