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. GIRL AND BOY ALFRED is gentle as a girl, But Judith longs to be a boy! Would cut off every pretty curl With eager joy! Hates to be called "my dear"--or kissed: For dollies does not care one fig: Goes, sticking hands up to the wrist In jackets big. Would like to do whate'er boy can; Play cricket--even to go school: It is so grand to be a man! A girl's a fool! But Alfred smiles superior love On all these innocent vagaries. He'd hate a goose! but yet a dove Ah, much more rare is! She's anything but dove, good sooth! But she's his dear and only sister: And, had she been a boy, in truth How he'd have missed her. So, gradually her folly dies, And she'll consent to be just human, When there shines out of girlish eyes The real Woman. AGNES AT PRAYER "OUR Father which art in heaven," Little Agnes prays, Though her kneeling is but show, Though she is too young to know All, or half she says. God will hear her, Agnes mild, God will love the innocent child. "Our Father which art in heaven." She has a father here, Does she think of his kind eyes, Tones that ne'er in anger rise-- "Yes, dear," or "No, dear." They will haunt her whole life long Like a sweet pathetic song. "Our Father which art in heaven," Through thy peaceful prayer, Think of the known father's face, Of his bosom, happy place; Safely sheltered there; And so blessed--long may He bless! Think too of the fatherless. GOING TO WORK COME along for the work is ready-- Rough it may be, rough, tough and hard-- But--fourteen years old--stout, strong and steady, Life's game's beginning, lad!--play your card-- Come along. Mother stands at the door-step crying Well but she has a brave heart too: She'll try to be glad--there's nought like trying, She's proud of having a son like you. Come along.