I was sitting in my study,
Writing letters, when I heard:
"Please, dear mamma, Mary told me
That you mustn't be disturbed.
But I'se tired of the kitty,
Want some ozzer thing to do.
Writing letters is 'ou mamma?
Tan't I write a letter, too?"
"Not now, darling, mamma's busy;
Run and play with kitty now."
"No--no mamma; me wite letter,
Ten you will show me how."
I would paint my darling's portrait,
As his sweet eyes searched my face--
Hair of gold and eyes of azure,
Form of childish witching grace.
But the eager face was clouded,
As I slowly shook my head,
Till I said: "I'll make a letter,
Of you, darling boy, instead."
So I parted back the tresses
From his forehead high and white,
And a stamp in sport I pasted,
'Mid its waves of golden light.
Then I said: "Now, little letter,
Go away and bear good news,"
And I smiled as down the staircase
Clattered loud the little shoes.
Leaving me, the darling hurried
Down to Mary in his glee:
"Mamma's witting lots of letters;
I'se a letter, Mary, see."
No one heard the little prattler,
As once more he climbed the stair.
Reached his little cap and tippet,
Standing on the table there.
No one heard the front door open,
No one saw the golden hair,
As it floated o'er his shoulders
On the crisp October air.
Down the street the baby hastened,
Till he reached the office door:
"I'se a letter, Mr. Postman,
Is there room for any more?
'Cause this letter's going to papa;
Papa lives with God, 'ou know:
Mamma sent me for a letter;
Does 'ou fink at I tan do?"
But the clerk in wonder answered,
"Not to-day, my little man;"
"Den I'll find anozzer office,
'Cause I must go if I tan."
Fain the clerk would have detained him,
But the pleading face was gone,
And the little feet were hastening,
By the busy crowd swept on.
Suddenly the crowd was parted,
People fled to left and right,
As a pair of maddened horses
At that moment dashed in sight.
No one saw the baby figure,
No one saw the golden hair,
Till a voice of frightened sweetness
Rang out on the autumn air.
'Twas too late: a moment only
Stood the beauteous vision there:
Then the little face lay lifeless
Covered o'er with golden hair.
Rev'rently they raised my darling,
Brushed away the curls of gold,
Saw the stamp upon the forehead
Growing now so icy cold.
Not a mark left the face disfigured,
Showing where a hoof had trod;
But the little life was ended--
"Papa's letter" was with God.