First a kiss to the lips
Of her generous boy,
Mamma gave with a feeling
Of exquisite joy--

For goodness, whene'er
In a child it is seen,
Gives joy to the heart
Of a mother, I ween--
And then led her out, where,
Still stood by the door,
A poor little beggar-girl,
Ragged all o'er.

"Please ma'am, I am hungry,"
The little thing said,
"Will you give me to eat
A small piece of bread?"
"Yes, child, you shall have it;
But who sends you out
From dwelling to dwelling
To wander about?"

A pair of mild eyes
To the lady were raised;
"My mother's been sick
For a great many days
So sick she don't know me."
Sobs stifled the rest
And heaved with young sorrow