Unknown

“ At length the ladies said, "My, love, you have reminded us
Of our loved and early dead; But this you could not know, my dear,
And it indeed is true; We are all near to Death's dark door,
Even little girls like you."
"Yes," said the timid, trembling child,
"I know it must be so; But, ma'am, I hope that Piety
May be with me when I go. And will you show me your armory,
When you have time to spare? I hope you have some small enough
For a little girl to wear."
No more she said, for Piety,
As Marian called her, cast Her arms around the Pilgrim's neck,
The secret's out at last. ”

“ The little Marian learned; And a thoughtful and a happier child
She to her home returned.
Years rolled away, the scene has changed,
A wife and mother now, Marian has found the Wicket Gate,
She and her children too. And oh! how sweet it is to see
This littel Pilgrim band, As on towards their heavenly home,
They travel hand in hand. When cloudy days fall to their lot,
They see a light afar, The light that shone on Bethlehem's plain,
The Pilgrim's guiding star. ”

“ Why, Miss, 'tis might grand; Call it a palace, if you please,
'Tis the finest in the land. Now we be come to the fine old porch,
And this is the Marble Hall; Here, little lady, you must stay,
While I the servants call. ”