Little Bell

EVENING came, a child was missing,Where she was, we could not tell,—Hiding, thought we, just for mischief;Full of fun was little Bell.

Soon we found the little darling,Hiding in a grassy dell;All alone? No,; gentle angelsKept safe guard o'er little Bell.

Her sweet chubby cheek was restingOn her little dimpled hands;While her sunny curls were shiningOn her brow, in golden bands.

Silken eyelids softly closingO'er the dancing eyes of blue,Kept the envious stars from seeingEarth can have her diamonds too.

A stick for gun and flag of bonnetBy her on the grass-bed lay;Ah, poor Bell, our cruel warfareCame to naught, like children's play.

Naught, alas! but blood and sorrows,By each hearth a vacant place;Years of joy can not redeem usAs a nation from disgrace.

Gentle be thy life's sweet slumbers;Purity in thy heart dwell;Every blessing rest upon thee—Is my prayer for little Bell.