POETRY.
"A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM "— A SUGGESTION.
THERE in the midst he stands,—the little Child
Whom all men love but not all understand, While in divided camps, unreconciled, They strive about him, each an angry band.
In a few years he comes to man's estate, - This they know, well and that he then will rule, So each desires before it be too late To fashion him according to their school.
Both would be Teachers; but suppose instead Just for a little while they cease to teach, And by the little Child themselves be led To humbler thoughts and kinder ways of speech.
Suppose hot-headed partisans sit down And note the quiet strength of being meek, Suppose the mighty scorners cease to frown And watch the grace God binds about the weak.
Suppose the men of passion and of pride, As furious in their age as in their youth, Cease from themselves and take the Child for guide, If haply he may lead them into truth. W. H. D.
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