Virginia Advocate

POETRY

"* mallowe whatever it toudeo."

The Silk Worm
By Mrs. Sarah J. Hale

There is no form, upon our earth,
That bears the mighty Maker's seal,
But has some charm-to draw the forth,
We need but hearts to feel.

I saw a fair young girl-her face
Was sweet as dream of cherish'd friend-
Just at the age when childhood's grace
And maiden softness blend.

A silk-worm in her hand she laid,
Nor fear, nor yet disgust was stirred;
But gaily with her charge she play'd.
As 'twere a nestling bird.

She raised it to her dimple cheek,
And let it rest and revel there--
O why for outward beauty seek!
Love makes its favourites fair.

That worm-I should have shrunk, in truth,
To feel the reptile o'er me move,
But loved by innocence and youth,
I deemed it worthy love.

Would we, I thought, the soul imbue,
In early life, sympathies
For every harmless thing and view
Such creatures formed to please ;

And when with usefulness combined,
Give them our loving tender care-

O, we might have a world as kind
As God has made it fair!

There is no form upon our earth,
That bears the mighty Maker's seal,
But has some charm-to call this forth,
We need but hearts to feel.