Two boys beside my knee
With eyes so dark and deep;
Two snow-white souls, the God of Love
Has given to me to keep.
My cup of joy o'er-ran
That Summer's day,
I knew they were my own—
My own alway.
My fair twin boys—Ah! me,
I look for you
Out o'er life's trodden paths,
And turn anew
To Him, who never yet
Has failed to hear
A mother's prayer for those
She holds so dear.
Oh! eyes so dark and sweet,
May Heaven's light
Shine o'er the paths you tread
And make them bright.
You could not go astray—
For all along
A wall of prayer, I build
So high and strong,
The tempters cannot scale
Its dizzy height,
And lead my darlings out,
To endless night.
These dimpled baby hands
God gave to you
Through rock-ribbed hills of life
Their way to hew.
Nor would I, though I might
Save you the test;
For well I know, beyond
Lies Heaven and rest.
This kiss, a pledge I give
To live for you;
And know full well, that God
The rest will do.