He played with them, and they smiled tenderly or laughed merrily.

And they played with His curls, and flung their arms round His neck.

They were so trustful and happy, these little creatures hovering so brightly round the Prophet, that the crowd stood in silent joy.

But Jesus was so filled with blessed gladness that He exclaimed loudly: "This is the Kingdom of Heaven!" The words swept over the crowd like the scent of the hawthorn.

But some were afraid when the Master added: "See how innocent and glad they are.