ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD I'll lend you for a little time A child of mine,God said; For you to love the while he lives, And mourn for when he's dead. It may be six or seven years Or twenty two or three But will you,till I call him back, Take care of him for me ? He'll brings his charms to gladden you; And should his stay be brief. You'll have his lovely memories As solace for your grief. I cannot promise that he'll stay Since all from earth return; But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked the whole world over In my search for teachers true; And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have selected you: Now,will you give him all your love Nor think the labour vain' Nor hate me when I come to call' And take him back again? And in reply,by faith,we say, Dear Lord,Your will be done' For all the joy Your child shall bring The risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, We'll love him while we may. And for the happiness we've known Forever grateful stay. But,should the Angels call for him Much sooner than we planned. We'll brave the bitter grief that comes And try to understand