"For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he’s dead.

It may be six or seven years or twenty-two or three;

But will you , till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,

You’ll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief."

"I can not promise he will stay, since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.

I’ve searched 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 him all your love, or think the labor vain,

Nor hate Me when I come to take him back again?"

I fancied that I heard them say: "Dear Lord, Thy will be done;

For all the joy this child shall bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.

We’ll shelter him with happiness; and we’ll love him while we may;

And for the happiness we’ve known, forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him much sooner than we’ve planned,