Alexandria Gazette

A plump, well-trodden pair;

With striped stockings thrust within.

Lie just behind my chair.

Of very homely fabric they,

A hole is in each toe.

They might have cost, when they were new

Some fifty cents or so.

And yet, this little worn out pair,

Is richer far to me

Than all the jewelled sandals are

Of Eastern luxury.

This mottled leather, cracked with use,

Is satin in my sight:

These little tarnished buttons shine.

With all a diamond's light.

Search through the wardrobe of the world!

You shall not find me there,

So rarely made, so richly wrought,

So glorious a pair.

And why? Because they tell of her,

Now sound asleep above.

Whose form is moving beauty, and

Whose heart is beating love.

They tell me of her merry laugh;

Her rich, whole hearted glee.

Her gentleness, her innocence,

And infant purity.

They tell me that her wavering steps

Will long demand my aid:

For the old road of human life,

Is very roughly laid.

High hills and swift descents abound:

And, on so rude a way,

Feet that can wear these coverings,

Would surely go astray.

Sweet little girl! be mine the task

Thy feeble steps to tend!

To be thy guide, thy counsellor

Thy playmate and thy friend!

And when my steps shall faltering grow

And thine be firm and strong,

Thy strength shall lead my tottering age,

In cheerful peace along

C.