Page:The songs that Quinte sang.djvu/51

Rh “Just like me.” Forbid, God! She should ever look back over pathways trod, As I have done, and see through tears, The shattered hopes and dreams of years. Grant that her lips may never quaff, As mine have done, Pain’s bitter draught. Father! I pray, may it so Thee please That all resemblance between us cease, And her life no more be likened to mine When once she has crossed the boundary line That divides the battle-field of Life From the gardens with childish pleasures rife. “Just like me.” Forbid, God That her feet should tread where mine have trod.

Then smiling down in the clear, brown eyes That have watched my emotion with grave surprise, I clasp her close as I pray that she May never grow up to be “just like me.”