147/259 I have often wished to pair this poem upon the 'longest' with one upon the 'shortest' day, and regret even now that it has not been done. [XVIII.] The subject of this poem was sent me by Mrs.Ogle, to whom I was personally unknown, with a hope on her part that I might be induced to relate the incident in verse. And I do not regret that I took the trouble; for not improbably the fact is illustrative of the boy's early piety, and may concur, with my other little pieces on children, to produce profitable reflection among my youthful readers. This is said, however, with an absolute conviction that children will derive most benefit from books which are not unworthy the perusal of persons of any age. |