Page:Ballads of a Bohemian.djvu/161

Rh Closer, little ones, snuggle near; Let’s seek a story of ages old; A magic tale of a bygone day, Of lovely ladies and dragons dread; Come, for you’re all so tired of play, We’ll read till it's time to go to bed.”

So they all are glad, and they nestle in, And squat on the rough old nursery rug, And they nudge and hush as I begin, And the fire leaps up and all’s so snug; And there I sit in the big arm-chair, And how they are eager and sweet and wise, And they cup their chins in their hands and stare At the heart of the flame with thoughtful eyes.

And then, as I read by the ruddy glow And the little ones sit entranced and still… He’s drawing near, ah! I know, I know He’s listening too, as he always will. He’s there–he’s standing beside my knee; I see him so well, my wee, wee son.… Oh, children dear, don’t look at me– I’m reading now for–the Other One.

For the firelight glints in his golden hair, And his wondering eyes are fixed on my face, And he rests on the arm of my easy-chair, And the book’s a blur and I lose my place: And I touch my lips to his shining head, And my voice breaks down and–the story’s done.…