With Granny

Dear Granny in the garden sits

Where she is wont to be,

Safe sheltered from the noonday heat

Beneath a lilac-tree.

Two little children sport and play

Amid the flowers of spring,

To help her while the time away

They prattle, laugh and sing.

Her grandson says in boyish pride,

"Someday, by and by,

I'll mount my horse, then off I'll ride,

The king's Fieldmarshal I!"

Sister says, with lisping tongue,

Rising from Granny's side,

"When I'm grown up I'll be a young

And handsome Prince's bride!"

Said Granny then, with gentle voice,

"First learn Life's cruel way,

And bid your brave young hearts rejoice

In ev'ry summer-day."