Some evenings fair, there comes a star To cite the beauteous moon afar, And travel close to her bright car; List’ning glad to the song she sings; Watching her spread her silver wings; Learning a chorus to her song; Trimming his lamp as he speeds along. Whether with oars he paddles the blue, Or whether on lightning wings he flew,— Whether he goes in a boat or car, I cannot see, for he is so far. PANSIES Bright the lovely pansies blossomed, Some in purple and in gold; And I wondered at their courage, Facing storms of cloud and cold. Then I asked them of their mission,— Why they came to bless the world; And they laughed and shook the dew-drops From their velvet leaves unfurled, “Oh!” they cried, “we’ve many missions, But the gladdest of them all Is to cheer the little children, And gleam out from fingers small; To shine forth thoughts of God awhile, And draw from baby lips a smile.” MY BABY Little pink toes, five in a row, With a soft, velvet patter they go; But that velvet patter is music to me, _My_ baby, _my_ baby! Oh, ten little, pearly-pink toes, Always go running in two little rows! Each is a beautiful jewel to me, _My_ baby, _my_ baby! BABY’S CUP A draught of good fresh milk, though drank From earthen, tin or pewter, Is Nature’s food and medicine, And ever will recruit her Better than all inventions served In cups of golden lining. If baby should need aught beside The precious milk, pearl-shining, Then give it but the blood of grapes Fresh-pressed from grape or raisin; Blest cup for all the weak and strong; Blest cup for every season. BE A BABY WHILE YOU CAN O little man, little man, In the cradle rocking, Soon to study and to plan, Soon to cipher, parse and scan, At door of wisdom knocking; Measuring the mountains high And the worlds that stud the sky,— Sleep and rest, you little man, Be a baby while you can; Gather strength to lead the van. Baby darling, woman wee, In the cradle rocking, Soon to study and to plan, Soon to cipher, parse and scan; Measuring the mountains high, And the worlds that star the sky; Soon to mend the stocking, Learning then to sew and bake, Also fashion and to make. Dainty baby-fingers, rest; Soon they’ll need to do their best. Dream that all the world is true, Pure as yonder starry-blue; Look at angels while you sleep; See God’s foot-prints in the deep: All the baby hearts are His, And they “see Him as He is.” Be a baby while you can; Gather strength to lead the van. MOTHER EVE