"I'll lend you for a little while, a child of Mine," God said--"For you to love the while she lives and mourn for when she's dead."
"It may be one or two years or forty-two or three; but will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief, you'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from Earth return; but the lessons taught below I want this child to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in search for teachers true; and from the things that crowd life's lane--I have chosen you.
Will you give her all your love? Nor think labor vain? Nor hate me when I come to to take this lent child back again?"
I fancied that I heard you say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done. For joys Thy child will bring, the risk of grief I"ll run.
I will shelter her with tenderness, I'll love her while I may--and for the happiness I've known, forever grateful stay.
But should Thy angels call for her much sooner than I've planned, I'll brave the grief that comes and try to understand."
