IRDIE, on the narrow edge
Of this ancient wooden ledge,
Tell me, have you built a nest?
Or of food are you in quest?

Let me peep, just let me see,
Nest and eggs; yes, one, two, three.
Perhaps, to-morrow, who can tell?
Young birds will be there as well.

Fly off quickly, and bring home
Food for her who may not roam
Till her hatching task is o'er;
Then she'll gaily fly once more.

Little birds, so kind and good,
Perching, flying, round that wood;
Lessons kind from you I learn,
Help each other in your turn."

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Suffer the little ones," He said,
With many a kind caress;

Happy the babes that clasped His hands,

Blessed, whom He did bless.

Happy those children, happy we
Who read of our dear Lord;
Within whose memory each act,
Each word of His is stored.

For He doth mark the little child
Whose willing heart and mind
Are given to follow in His steps,
Whose every thought is kind.
Who loves to read His holy word,

And with fond love and truth,
Gives to the Giver of all good
The worship of her youth.

APA has been the whole long day
From his little ones away;
Now he's seated in his chair,
All his little folks are there.