CHILDREN.
0 CHILDREN, dwelling far away
From this dell land of everyday In worlds invented by yourselves, From which you peer, like curious elves, At ours and us, that seem to you
So tangible but so untrue—
Approach not yet the magic brink That parts our lives, but rather stay And roam the enchanted woods and think Your lovely thoughts, and bathe and drink At fairy wells while yet you may.
For when you leave, as leave you must, Those orient realms where now you cull The flowers of fancy, golden dust Shall cling about you, and your trust In spirits blest and beautiful Avail, as there, to shield and charm Your tender souls from mortal harm.
So shall you pass, 0 children dear, Your days without reproach or fear, If still you keep your truthful eyes And simple hearts and modest guise, And still invoke the Unseen Power, So swift to see when dangers lower, So glad to help, so strong to save When girls are good and boys are brave.
ARTHUR A usnw-JecKsori.
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