Wishes

I Mked a 'Jttle child one day. V&J&ffi! ■ A chilcl intent on joyous play, "My little one, pray tell to me Your dearest wish; what may it be?" The little one thought for awhile, Then answered with a wistf ul smilo, "The thlng that I wish most of all Is to bo big. Uke you, and tall." I asked a maiden sweet and fair. Of dreamy eyes and vravy hair, "What would you wish, pray tell me tra, That kindly f ate should bring to you?" With timid micn and downcasteyes And blubhes decp and gent Ie sighs. Her answer came, "All else above, I'd wish some faithfnl heart to love." I askcd a mother, tried and biest, With babe asleop upou her breast, 40 mother fond, 50 proud and fair, What is tliy inmost secret prayer?" She raised her calm and peaceful eyes, Madonnalike, up to the skie?. My dearest wish is this' said slie, 'That llod may spare my chlld to me." Again, I ask'.'.d a woman old, To wliom the world eeetned hard and cold, "Pray teil me, O ihou biest in ) cars, What are thy liopes, whart are thy foartt?" With fokled hands and head bent low Slie answer made, in aceents slow, For ine remains but one veo.uc&t - It is that Obd mny nive me rest."