ANNIE OF THARAW. 131 ANNIE OF THARAW. ANNIE of Tharaw, my true love of old, Then come the wild weather, come sleet or come snow, As the palm-tree standeth so straight and so tall, In a desolate land where the sun is scarce known, Through forests I'll follow, and where the sea flows, Whate'er I have bidden thee thou hast obeyed, How in the turmoil of life can love stand, Where there is not one heart, and one mouth, and one hand? Some seek for dissension, and trouble and strife; Like a cat and a dog live such man and wife. Annie of Tharaw, such is not our love, Thou art my lambkin, my chick, and my dove. I am king of the household, and thou art its queen. It is this, O my Annie, my heart's sweetest rest, That makes of us twain but one soul in one breast. This turns to a heaven the hut where we dwell; While wrangling soon changes a home to a hell. THE MOTHER'S HYMN. LORD, who ordainest for mankind Benignant toils and tender cares: We thank thee for the hopes that rise And grateful for the blessing given, With that dear infant on her knee, All Gracious! grant to those who bear In ways of Love, and Truth, and Right. The deer across their greensward bound And the swan glides past them, with the sound |