Dear Little Ethel.

Dear little Ethel,         Child that I love,     Come, as an angel,         Down from above.     Golden-rayed tresses,         Shining and bright,     Inviting caresses,         Mirroring light.     Eyes blue and tender,         Beaming with joy.     Who would offend her?         Who would annoy?     Ripple thy laughter!         Bubble thy glee!     Loud will the rafter         Echo to thee.     Clinging to mother,         Set on her knee;     She has no other         Dearer than thee.     Slave thou hast bound her;         Nestles thine arm,     Twining around her,         Telling thy charm.     Innocent speeches         Silencing strife;     Hallowed each is:         Pearls of a life.     Come, come and kiss me,         Child of my heart.     Oh! I would miss thee         Were we to part.     God in His mercy         Shelter my dove,     Dear little Ethel,         Child that I love.