HE'S only an orphan," mother dear,

"Her father and mother are dead;

She hasn't a home to shelter her,

Or a hat to cover her head.

"I found her crying alone in the street,

And nobody seemed to care;

I know she is hungry and tired now—

Please give her all of my share.

"I am glad we have tea in the garden to-night

For she wouldn't go into our home;

I could hardly coax her up here, papa,

She hasn't a friend, not one."

"Come in, little girl, sit down here and eat,

We have plenty of food and to spare;

You are tired, poor child. Go Harry, my love,

And get your young friend a chair.

"There, now you have eaten, pray tell us why

You wander alone in the street;

And why there is none to look after your clothes,

And keep you more tidy and neat?"

"My mother just died, and they took her away,

And our landlady said I must go;

And all of our things belonged to her,

To pay up the rent we owe.

"I went to the river to sit down and think,

For no one cared for me now;

I wanted to die like my own dear ma,

But I could not—I did not know how.

"This boy he spoke kindly, and led me away,

He said he would bring me to you;

I knows I am dirty, not fit to be seen,

But, lady, my story is true."

So they took her in, as Harry had said,

And they cared for her kindly and well—

The good they have done and the good they will do,

Only angels in heaven can tell.

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Original