15 FEBRUARY 1913, Page 18

A WIDOW'S MITE IN - VERSE. [To THE EDITOR OF THE

"SPECTATOR:1 SIR,—On my rounds last week I called on an old widew-of eighty-four years, who is expert in the almost lost :; -t of pillow lace. She showed me the following lines, which she compoted in 1904 during wakeful hours of the night. Their simple directness and pathos will, I think, touch a sympathetic chord in the hearts of some who love God's poor.--I am, Sir, &e.,

COUNTRY RECTOR.

" I am a poor and lonely widow And living by myself ; I am got nothing in my cupboard Nor anything on my shelf.

But oft-times I look around me,

And many worse off I see. I thank my heavenly Father For the children He gave to me;

For they are so very good and kind, They will not let me pine.

I am got six dear children living, And once I did have nine. - '

I often trot round to see them all When I am out on my way ; I always have a welcome And as long as I like to stay., So now I am very tired, My working will soon be done; God bless all my grandchildren, For I am got thirty-one.

So now goodbye, my children dear, I know you pleased to have a mother alive, For I am getting feebler every day, For I am now turned seventy-five."