Richard Wilton (1827-1903). Ballades. I. My Grandchildren at Church. Alfred H. Miles, ed. 1907. The Sacred Poets of the Nineteenth Century

Alfred H. Miles, ed. The Sacred Poets of the Nineteenth Century. 1907.

Ballades.
I. My Grandchildren at Church

By Richard Wilton (1827–1903)


BRIGHT Dorothy, with eyes of blue,
And serious Dickie, brave as fair,
Crossing to Church you oft may view
When no one but myself is there:
First to the belfry they repair,	5
And, while to the long ropes they cling,
And make believe to call to prayer,
For angels’ ears the bells they ring.

Next, seated gravely in a pew
A pulpit homily they share,	10
Meet for my little flock of two,
Pointed and plain, as they can bear:
Then venture up the pulpit stair,
Pray at the desk or gaily sing:
O sweet child-life, without a care—	15
For angels’ ears the bells they ring.

Dear little ones, the early dew
Of holy infancy they wear,
And lift to Heaven a face as true
As flowers that breathe the morning air	20
Whate’er they do, where’er they fare,
They can command an angel’s wing:
Their voices have a music rare,—
For angels’ ears the bells they ring.

O parents, of your charge beware;	25
Their angels stand before the King;
In work, play, sleep, and everywhere
For angels’ ears the bells they ring.