The Little Comforter

"WHAT is wrong with my big brother?" Says the child; For they two had got no mother And she loved him like no other: If he smiled, All the world seemed bright and gay To this happy little May.

If to her he sharply spoke, This big brother-- Then her tender heart nigh broke; But the cruel pain that woke, She would smother-- As a little woman can;-- Was he not almost a man?

But when trouble or disgrace Smote the boy, She would lift her gentle face-- Surely 'twas her own right place. To bring joy? For she loved him--loved him so! Whether he was good or no

May be he will never feel Half her love; Wound her, and forget to heal: Idle words are sharp as steel: But above, I know what the angels say Of this silent little May.

DON'T BE AFRAID.

DON'T be afraid of the dark, My daughter, dear as my soul! You see but a part of the gloomy world, But I--I have seen the whole, And I know each step of the fearsome way, Till the shadows brighten to open day.

Don't be afraid of pain, My tender little child: When its smart is worst there comes strength to bear, And it seems as if angels smiled,-- As I smile, dear, when I hurt you now. In binding up that wound on your brow.

Don't be afraid of grief, 'Twill come--as night follows day, But the bleakest sky has tiny rifts When the stars shine through--as to say Wait, wait a little--till night is o'er And beautiful day come back once more.

O child, be afraid of sin, But have no other fear, For God's in the dark, as well as the light; And while we can feel Him near, His hand that He gives, His love that He gave, Lead safely, even to the dark of the grave.