I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,
And from the throng that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call to take her back again?"
I fancied that I heard them say: "Dear Lord, thy will be done! For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness; we'll love her while we may.
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay:
And shall the angels call her much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."