Charles Follen Adams

“ I want 'ou now"— Down goes the book with needless force, And, with expression far from mild, With sullen air and clouded brow, I seat myself beside the child. Her little trusting eyes of blue With mute surprise gaze in my face, As if in its expression stern Reproof and censure she could trace. Anon her little bosom heaves, Her rosy lips begin to curl; And with a quiv'ring chin she sobs, "Papa don't 'uv' his 'ittle dirl!" King, palace, book—all are forgot; My arms are 'round my darling thrown- The thunder-cloud has burst, and lo! Tears fall and mingle with her own. ”