Page:Landon in Pictorial Album.pdf/27



little sister!—whom I less Love with a sister's tenderness Than with a mother's anxious care, She is so young, and ah how fair!— I can remember her so small, I marvelled that she lived at all, And started with a sudden fear That little crying voice to hear. But soon the helpless sleeper grew My playmate, and companion too. Her outstretched arms, before her feet, Were eager my approach to greet; And soon the fairy feet began To meet me when I homewards ran, Returned from other cares to find My sweetest task was left behind.