A TAP AT THE DOOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 1855, 10 June 1887, Page 29

A TAP AT THE DOOR.

A hand tapped at my door, low down, low down;' I opened it and saw. two eyes of brown, Two lips of cherry red,, A Utl le curly head, A bonny fairy sprite, in dress of white. Who said, with lifted, " Papa, good night I " She climbed upon my knee, and kneeling there, Lisped softly, solemnly, herlltt'e prayer; Her meeting finger-tips, Her, pure, sweet baby-lips, Carried my soul with hers, half unaware, Into some clearer and diviner air. I tried to lift again, but all in vain, > Of scientific thought the subtle chain; So.smail, so small, My learning all'; Though I could call each star, and tell its place, My child's " Our Father "b.-idged the gulf of space. I sat with folded hands, at rest, at rest, Turning this solemn thought within my breast — How faith would fade : If God had made No children in this world—no bnby age — Only the prudent man or thoughtful sage; Only the woman wise; no little arms To clasp around our neck ; no baby charms, No loving care, No sinleßs prayer, ' No thrill of lisping song, no pattering feet, No infant he»rt against our heart to beat. Then, if a tiny hand, low down Tap at thy heart or door, ah 1 do not frown; Bend low to meet 'Jhelittjefeet: To clasp the clinging hand; the child will be Nearer to heaven than thee—nearer than thee. —L. E.Bakb.