Page:What Katy Did.djvu/12

iv "Were you once little too?" they say, astonished;
 * "Did you too play? How funny! tell us how."

Almost we start, forgetful for a moment;
 * Almost we answer, "We are little now!"

Dear friend and lover, whom To-day we christen,
 * Forgive such brief bewilderment,—thy true

And kindly hand we hold; we own thee fairest.
 * But ah! our yesterday was precious too.

So, darlings, take this little childish story,
 * In which some gleams of the old sunshine play,

And, as with careless hands you turn the pages,
 * Look back and smile, as here I smile to-day.