But if you were a little bird-- My baby-blossom. Nestling so cosily In mother's bosom,-- A bird, as we see them now, When the snows harden, And the wind's blighting breath Howls round the garden: What would you do, poor bird, In winter drear? No nest to creep into, No mother near: Hungry and desolate, Weary and woeful, All the earth bound with frost, All the sky snow-full? CHILD (_thoughtfully_). That would be sad, and yet Hear what I'd do-- Mother, in winter time I'd come to you! If you can like the birds Spite of their thieving, Give them your trees to build, Garden to live in, I think if I were a bird When winter comes I'd trust you, mother dear, For a few crumbs, Whether I sang or not, Were lark, thrush, or starling.-- MOTHER (_aside_). Then--Father--I trust _Thee_ With this my darling. 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.