Two little children sit by my side, 
I call them Lily and Daffodil; 
I gaze on them with a mother's pride, 
One is Edna, the other is Will. 

Both have eyes of starry light, 
And laughing lips o'er teeth of pearl. 
I would not change for a diadem 
My noble boy and darling girl. 

To-night my heart o'erflows with joy; 
I hold them as a sacred trust; 
I fain would hide them in my heart, 
Safe from tarnish of moth and rust. 

What should I ask for my dear boy? 
The richest gifts of wealth or fame? 
What for my girl? A loving heart 
And a fair and a spotless name? 

What for my boy? That he should stand 
A pillar of strength to the state? 
What for my girl? That she should be 
The friend of the poor and desolate? 

I do not ask they shall never tread 
With weary feet the paths of pain. 
I ask that in the darkest hour 
They may faithful and true remain. 

I only ask their lives may be 
Pure as gems in the gates of pearl, 
Lives to brighten and bless the world -- 
This I ask for my boy and girl. 

I ask to clasp their hands again 
'Mid the holy hosts of heaven, 
Enraptured say: "I am here, oh! God, 
"And the children Thou hast given."